The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in the newly appointed Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Justice Joseph Oyewole.

Oyewole’s elevation restored the apex court to its full 21-justice composition under Section 230(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The CJN, who administered the Oath of Allegiance and the Judicial Oath on the new jurist at the Supreme Court, said the occasion carried an added institutional importance, as the court would be further strengthened to tackle the backlog of cases awaiting judicial attention.

She maintained that Justice Oyewole’s elevation was a testament to his years of disciplined scholarship, fidelity to the law, and distinguished service on the bench.

She posited that judicial record of Justice Oyewole reflected intellectual depth, independence of thought, clarity of expression, and a clear appreciation of the relationship between enduring legal principles and evolving social realities.

She added that these are qualities indispensable to the work of this court, where issues are often complex and where the margin for error is narrow but the consequences of every decision far-reaching.

The CJN urged the new jurist not to be afraid of expressing a divergent opinion on cases that are brought before the court.

Prior to his elevation to the Supreme Court, Justice Oyewole was the presiding justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division.