Nigeria is in mourning following the death of one of its most distinguished jurists, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who passed away on Friday in Abuja at the age of 89.
His death came just a day after the passing of former Minister of Education and academic luminary, Professor Jubril Aminu — marking a period of profound loss for the nation.
The family confirmed Justice Uwais’ passing in a statement:
“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihir Rajiun. It is with a heavy heart, full of gratitude to Allah Subahanahu Wata’ala, that we announce the passing away of our father, Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, former Chief Justice of the Federation.”
His funeral was held shortly after the Juma’at prayer at the National Mosque in Abuja, in accordance with Islamic rites.
A Judicial Giant
Born in 1936, Mohammed Uwais became one of the youngest Justices of the Supreme Court in 1979 at the age of 43. His legal career spanned nearly three decades, culminating in his appointment as Chief Justice in 1995 by then Head of State, General Sani Abacha. He retired in 2006 under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Uwais was the second-longest-serving Chief Justice in Nigeria’s history and presided over a transformative period in the judiciary. His tenure as CJN witnessed landmark rulings, institutional reforms, and an unwavering emphasis on judicial independence.
Widely admired for his clarity of thought and depth of legal reasoning, Uwais became a reference point in Nigeria’s constitutional development. His decisions helped define democratic jurisprudence during some of the country’s most politically turbulent years.
Champion of Electoral Reform
Following his retirement, Justice Uwais remained a central figure in national affairs. In 2007, then-President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua appointed him to head the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee. The outcome — popularly known as the Uwais Report — offered bold and detailed recommendations aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s flawed electoral system.
The report recommended, among other things, the creation of an Electoral Offences Commission and reforms to ensure the true independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Though not fully implemented, many of its ideas remain cornerstones of ongoing electoral reform advocacy.
Tributes Across the Nation
President Bola Tinubu, in a condolence message, described Justice Uwais as “a jurist of great honour, intellect, and dignity, whose contributions to law and governance remain timeless.”
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) mourned his loss, with its president, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), stating: “He was a judicial icon who upheld the sanctity of the constitution. His legacy is etched in Nigeria’s legal history.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan also described Uwais as “a wise and steady voice in the pursuit of justice and democratic reforms.”
A Life of Discipline and Integrity
Justice Uwais was known not just for his brilliance but for his humility and strict adherence to principle. He shunned political entanglements and maintained a quiet lifestyle even after leaving the bench.
“He lived simply, spoke sparingly, and judged wisely,” said a senior lawyer who once clerked at the Supreme Court during Uwais’ tenure.
A devout Muslim, he balanced faith and duty, and was regarded as a role model for judicial officers, particularly during an era when confidence in Nigeria’s justice system faced considerable strain.
His Enduring Legacy
Justice Uwais’ passing leaves a void in Nigeria’s judicial and intellectual landscape. But his contributions — through judgments, reforms, and leadership — remain a compass for those navigating the challenges of justice and democracy.
He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and countless protégés whose careers he helped shape.
As Nigeria continues its search for credible governance and stronger institutions, the life and work of Mohammed Lawal Uwais will endure as a benchmark for courage, integrity, and reform.
Leave a Reply