June 06, (THEWILL) – A former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, is dead.
Born on June 12, 1936, Uwais died in the early hours of Friday in Abuja at the age of 89.
He served as the Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 until his retirement in 2006. Following his exit from the Supreme Court, he was appointed by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to head the Electoral Reform Committee, where he played a pivotal role in recommending changes to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.
Reacting to his death, President Bola Tinubu described Uwais as a “colossus” who served the nation with distinction.
“Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, who died on Friday at 89, was a phenomenal jurist and statesman who served Nigeria with honour, courage, and exceptional integrity,” Tinubu said in a statement.
He added, “I join family members, friends, protégés, and well-meaning Nigerians in mourning this respected patriot and statesman, who passed away today as we mark Eid-Al-Adha.”
The President noted that Uwais played a stabilising role in the judiciary during a turbulent period in the nation’s history and was instrumental in ushering in the Fourth Republic.
“He superintended the judiciary at a challenging time in our history with tact, patience, and a sense of duty. This stabilising role helped usher in the current democratic dispensation, which he had the distinct honour of formalising by swearing in the elected President on May 29, 1999,” Tinubu said.
He also recalled the jurist’s service in retirement, particularly his leadership of the Electoral Reform Panel, describing the assignment as one that matched his character and reputation.
He stated, “Given his pedigree and personal integrity, he was the right person for that onerous assignment. Not surprisingly, Justice Uwais led the panel to produce a critical report that contained a detailed prognosis of our electoral system.”
President Tinubu added that even in retirement, Justice Uwais maintained a dignified presence and remained a revered figure beyond the legal profession.
He noted, “May God Almighty accept the soul of Justice Uwais and admit him to Aljannatul Firdaus. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Uwais family, the government and people of Kaduna State, and members of the Nigerian judiciary over the death of this colossus.”
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