The event coincides with the judicial vacation period for the Supreme Court and other courts in Nigeria, which began on July 23, 2024. The 2023/2024 legal year of the Supreme Court concluded on July 19, 2024, and the court will reconvene for the first term of the 2024/2025 legal year on September 23, with the commencement ceremony for the new legal year scheduled for September 30.

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the next most senior justice, is expected to succeed Ariwoola as CJN upon his retirement.

Olukayode Ariwoola assumed office as the acting CJN on June 27, 2022, following the sudden resignation of his predecessor, Tanko Muhammad, due to health issues. His tenure has been marked by ongoing challenges within the judiciary, including issues of conflicting court orders, delays, and controversial decisions, which have contributed to a crisis of confidence in the judicial system. Earlier this month, Ariwoola condemned these conflicting decisions, warning that judges responsible would face sanctions.

Before he was appointed CJN, Ariwoola was the second most senior judge at the Supreme Court and led his colleagues in protesting against the poor management of their welfare and the court's operations, a move that preceded Muhammad's resignation.

Born on August 22, 1954, Ariwoola's legal career spans 43 years. He began as a state counsel during his national youth service at the Ondo State Ministry of Justice in 1981. He then served as a legal officer at the Oyo State Ministry of Justice and later worked in private practice before founding his own firm, Olu Ariwoola & Co Mako Allah Chambers.

Ariwoola's judicial career began with his appointment as a High Court judge in Oyo State in 1992. He was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 1995 and to the Supreme Court in 2011, where he has served for 11 years, making him the longest-serving justice currently on the bench.

As Ariwoola retires, he leaves behind a significant legacy in Nigeria's legal landscape, having dedicated 32 years to the judiciary and 43 years to the legal profession.