Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mohammed Lawal Uwais, has passed away at the age of 89. He died earlier today in Abuja, according to sources at the Supreme Court and senior legal practitioners.
Justice Uwais, who served as CJN from 1995 to 2006, was a towering figure in Nigeria’s judiciary, known for his integrity, reformist vision, and landmark contributions to electoral reform. Preparations for his funeral prayer and interment are currently underway, as the nation mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished jurists.
Born on June 12, 1936, Uwais was called to the Bar by the Middle Temple, London, in 1963 after graduating from the University of London. He began his career as a State Counsel and rose through the ranks to become the Chief Judge of Kaduna State, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, and later a Justice of the Supreme Court in 1979. In 1995, he was appointed the 13th Chief Justice of Nigeria and also served as Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Following his retirement, Uwais was appointed by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to chair the Electoral Reform Committee (2007–2008), where he proposed sweeping reforms that remain a reference point in discussions around free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.
Among his major recommendations were:
-
The establishment of an independent electoral commission insulated from executive influence.
-
Introduction of electronic voting and result transmission to curb electoral fraud.
-
Voter education and campaign finance reforms to ensure equity and transparency.
Reacting to the news, legal luminaries such as Kayode Ajulo (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) described the late Uwais as a beacon of judicial excellence and a reformist whose legacy endures.
Ajulo said, “My first appearance in any court was under his leadership at the Supreme Court. His dignified presence commanded respect, and his commitment to justice inspired generations of lawyers and citizens.”
He emphasized that Uwais’ work on the Electoral Reform Committee “set new standards” and called for the full implementation of its recommendations to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Adegboruwa, also in a moving tribute, described Uwais as “a jurist with distinction” whose tenure transformed Nigeria’s legal and political landscape. “The best way to honour him is for President Tinubu to revisit the Uwais Panel Report and implement its bold, forward-thinking electoral reforms,” he said.
Throughout his lifetime, Uwais also served in several high-profile roles, including:
-
Chairman, Body of Benchers (1993–1994)
-
Chairman, National Judicial Institute (1995–2006)
-
Honorary President of the World Jurist Association, Washington D.C.
-
Chancellor of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina (appointed in 2011)
Justice Uwais was widely respected for his clarity of thought, judicial temperament, and unwavering devotion to the rule of law. His contributions will continue to shape Nigeria’s judicial and democratic systems for generations.
He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
