Names of Chief Justices of Nigeria from 1960 till date
By Grace Ekpo
Since achieving independence in 1960, Nigeria has relied on its judiciary to maintain the rule of law and ensure justice for its citizens. At the apex of this judicial system sits the Chief Justice, a position of significant responsibility and authority.
ThisNigeria brings you the names of the Chief Justices of Nigeria from 1960 to the present day:
1. **Sir Adetokunbo Ademola (1960-1972):** The first indigenous Chief Justice of Nigeria, Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, born on September 1, 1906, in Abeokuta, he served until 1972.
2. **Taslim Olawale Elias (1972-1975):** Born on November 11, 1914, in Lagos, Taslim Olawale Elias, a distinguished legal scholar and diplomat, served as Chief Justice from 1972 to 1975, leaving a mark on international law as President of the International Court of Justice.
3. **Darnley Arthur Alexander (1975-1979):** Justice Darnley Arthur Alexander took the helm as Chief Justice in 1975, contributing to the Nigerian judiciary until 1979.
4. **Atanda Fatai-Williams (1979-1983):** Appointed Chief Justice in 1979, Atanda Fatai-Williams, born on March 12, 1917, in Lagos, led the judiciary during a crucial period until 1983.
5. **George Sodeinde Sowemimo (1983-1985):** Chief Justice George Sodeinde Sowemimo assumed office in 1983, serving until 1985.
6. **Ayo Gabriel Irikefe (1985-1987):** Ayo Gabriel Irikefe, appointed Chief Justice in 1985, held the position until 1987.
7. **Mohammed Bello (1987-1995):** Mohammed Bello presided over the judiciary from 1987 to 1995, overseeing legal reforms and challenges during his tenure.
8. **Muhammad Lawal Uwais (1995-2006):** Assuming office in 1995, Muhammad Lawal Uwais, born on June 22, 1942, in Azare, Bauchi State, led the judiciary for over a decade.
9. **Salihu Moddibo Alfa Belgore (2006-2007):** Salihu Moddibo Alfa Belgore served as Chief Justice from 2006 to 2007.
10. **Idris Legbo Kutigi (2007-2009):** Idris Legbo Kutigi, becoming Chief Justice in 2007, left a legacy of integrity and dedication until 2009.
11. **Aloysius Iyorgyer Katsina-Alu (2009-2011):** Aloysius Iyorgyer Katsina-Alu’s tenure from 2009 to 2011 showcased his experience and expertise in the judiciary.
12. **Dahiru Musdapher (2011-2012):** Dahiru Musdapher assumed office in 2011, serving until 2012.
13. **Aloma Mariam Mukhtar (2012-2014):** Aloma Mariam Mukhtar made history as Nigeria’s first female Chief Justice from 2012 to 2014.
14. **Mahmud Mohammed (2014-2016):** Mahmud Mohammed served as Chief Justice from 2014 to 2016.
15. **Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen (2017-2019):** Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, serving from 2017 to 2019, faced challenges and controversies during his tenure.
16. **Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad (2019-present):** Born on December 31, 1953, in Doguwa, Kano State, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad assumed office as Chief Justice in 2019 and resigned in June 2022 citing ill-health.
17: **Oluwakayode Ariwoola** (2022- present): Kayode Ariwoola is the current CJN. He was appointed in June 2022 by erstwhile President Muhammadu Buhari following the resignation of Tanko Mohammed.
