- Flood of tributes for late jurist
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, were among the prominent Nigerians who paid glowing tributes yesterday over the passing of a former CJN, Mohammed Uwais, at the age of 89.
Sources at the Supreme Court confirmed to The Nation yesterday that the former Chief Justice of Nigeria died in Abuja, the nation’s capital city.
The Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in Ondo State, Kayode Ajulo (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) also confirmed the death of the eminent jurist in moving tributes.
In mourning the passing of the deceased jurist yesterday, President Tinubu described him as a “phenomenal jurist and statesman” whose legacy will endure in Nigeria’s judicial and democratic history.
In a message of tribute he released, Tinubu said the late Justice Uwais served the country with “honour, courage and exceptional integrity,” both during his time on the bench and in retirement.
“Many remarkable highpoints hallmarked Justice Uwais’ illustrious career on the bench. 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 ushering in as the Chief Justice of Nigeria who swore in the elected president on May 29, 1999,” the President noted.
Justice Uwais served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 to 2006, a period that straddled the military era and the dawn of the Fourth Republic.
President Tinubu praised the jurist for the dignity and stability he brought to the nation’s judiciary during those difficult years.
“In retirement, the Federal Government called upon Justice Uwais to head a panel to investigate the conduct of our elections. Given his pedigree and personal integrity, he was the right person for that onerous assignment,” Tinubu stated.
The Uwais Electoral Reform Panel, inaugurated in 2007, was widely regarded as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s efforts to improve its electoral system.
The panel’s report laid out a comprehensive framework for reform, some of whose recommendations continue to shape national discourse on electoral integrity.
“Not surprisingly, Justice Uwais led the panel to produce a critical report that contained a detailed prognosis of our electoral system,” the President recalled, lauding the late jurist’s unwavering dedication to nation-building.
President Tinubu emphasised that even in retirement, Justice Uwais maintained a “dignified persona” that earned him widespread respect across legal, political and civil society circles.
“As we mark this year’s Eid al-Adha, I join family members, friends, proteges and well-meaning Nigerians in mourning this respected patriot and statesman,” Tinubu said.
He offered his heartfelt condolences to the Uwais family, the government and people of Kaduna State where the late jurist hailed from, and the Nigerian judiciary at large.
“May God Almighty accept the soul of Justice Uwais and admit him to Jannatul Firdaus,” he prayed.
Buhari pays respect to late Justice Uwais
Former President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Justice Uwais, hailing his legacy as one of compassion, integrity and judicial excellence.
In a condolence message released through his spokesman, Garba Shehu, the former president said he was pained by the death of the late jurist “who had a distinguished career as a lawyer and a judge.”
“As the head of the nation’s judiciary, he made notable contributions in bringing justice closer to the people,” Buhari said.
Former President Buhari recalled that the late CJN “was admired for his compassion and justice. He made important contributions towards making Nigeria’s democratic fabric stronger.”
Reflecting on Uwais’ career and influence, Buhari noted: “He will always be remembered by countless people for his emphasis on a meticulous approach to law as a judge and a member of the Council of States.”
In closing, the former president extended his sympathy to the bereaved:
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family members, relatives and friends who are grieving his loss as we all are,” he said.
Kekere-Ekun, Supreme Court mourn deceased ex-CJN
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the management of the Supreme Court also joined the nation’s legal community in mourning the former CJN.
In separate statements yesterday, Justice Kekere-Ekun and the Supreme Court spoke glowingly about Justice Uwais’ many contributions to the development of the nation’s judicial system.
Justice Kekere-Ekun said: “I have received with sadness but also with gratitude to Almighty God for a life of impact, the news of the passing of Hon. Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, GCON, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (1995–2006), which occurred earlier today.
“Hon. Justice Uwais was a towering figure in Nigeria’s legal and judicial history—an erudite jurist, visionary reformer and statesman whose contributions to the development of constitutional law, judicial independence and democratic governance will forever remain etched in the annals of our national life.
“Appointed to the Supreme Court in 1979 and later rising to serve as the Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 to 2006, Hon. Justice Uwais distinguished himself by his unwavering commitment to justice, courage in the defence of the rule of law, and the clarity and scholarship of his judgments.
“His post-retirement service, including chairing the Electoral Reform Committee, further affirmed his deep love for country and passion for institutional integrity.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the late jurist, the Nigerian judiciary and the nation at large. I pray for the peaceful repose of his noble soul.
“The life and legacy of Hon. Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais will continue to inspire generations of judges, lawyers and public servants.
“He was, indeed, a beacon of principle and a guardian of judicial honour.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Supreme Court pays tribute
The second statement, issued on behalf of the Supreme Court by the court’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr. Festus Akande, reads: “The Supreme Court of Nigeria mourns the loss of a distinguished legal luminary and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, GCON, who passed away in the early hours of Friday, June 6, 2025.
“He served as the 9th Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 until his retirement in 2006, leaving behind a formidable legacy of judicial excellence and integrity.
“Born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Justice Uwais embarked on a remarkable journey through the legal profession.
“He was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple, London in 1963 and quickly made a name for himself through his commitment to justice and fairness.
“Over the decades, he held various influential positions within and outside the judiciary.
“During his tenure as Chief Justice, he championed judicial reforms aimed at improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.
“He was instrumental in the establishment of the National Judicial Council, which plays a critical role in maintaining the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
“Justice Uwais was also dedicated to advancing legal education and was a mentor to many young lawyers and judges.
“The Supreme Court of Nigeria expresses its deepest condolences to the family of Justice Muhammadu Uwais, GCON, during this moment of grief.
“We honour his tireless dedication to the rule of law and the improvement of the Nigerian judiciary; values for which he will always be remembered.
“Hon. Justice Uwais’s professional achievements and unwavering commitment to justice have had a lasting impact on Nigeria’s legal landscape.
“He will be sorely missed by colleagues, friends, and the many lives he touched throughout his career.”
Ex- AGF Bayo Ojo condoles with family
A former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice of Nigeria, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, extended heartfelt condolences to the Uwais family on the passing of the former CJN.
In his condolence message, Chief Ojo commiserated with the Uwais family, the Nigerian judiciary, and members of the legal profession, describing the late jurist as a visionary whose contributions will be remembered for generations.
According to him, the late CJN played a critical role in the development of a strong, independent and impartial judiciary; a foundation essential for the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
He added that Justice Uwais’s “bold and articulate judicial decisions, advocacy for access to justice, and unwavering stance on the independence of the judiciary remain enduring signposts for the advancement of the legal profession in Nigeria and beyond.”
Chief Ojo urged all who mourn the late jurist to honour his legacy by working towards a just and equitable society, and by upholding the values he embodied throughout his distinguished career.
He prayed for God’s comfort for the Uwais family, friends, and associates, and for eternal rest for the soul of the departed.
Lawyers pay tributes
Ajulo and Adegboruwa described the deceased as a quintessential jurist who will be missed by all.
Ajulo said: “It is with profound sorrow that I mourn the passing of Chief Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, GCON, who has departed this world today.
“As I contemplate his significant impact on my life as a lawyer and the lives of countless Nigerians, I am filled with deep appreciation for his enduring legacy.
“My first appearance in any court was at the Supreme Court, under the esteemed leadership of Justice Uwais.
“His dignified presence commanded respect, and his steadfast commitment to justice inspired not only the legal community but all citizens who sought fairness.
“Justice Uwais was instrumental in our journey of democratic development and nation-building, serving not only as a jurist but as a visionary reformist of our electoral process.
“His leadership as Chairman of the Electoral Reform Committee, alongside esteemed members such as Bishop Mathew Kukah and Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, OON, SAN, exemplified his remarkable wisdom.
“The recommendations he presented not only established new standards but also instilled in our system a profound understanding of law and the responsibilities it entails.
“Among his most significant contributions was the call for the establishment of an independent electoral commission, a vital measure designed to enhance the integrity and transparency of Nigeria’s electoral process.
“Furthermore, his committee championed the integration of technology in elections, advocating for electronic voting and the transmission of results—initiatives aimed at reducing fraud and fostering public confidence in our electoral system.
“The reforms also underscored the critical need for voter education and equitable political party financing, ensuring that elections became more accessible and just for all.
“The lasting impact of these recommendations continues to shape our electoral policies and informs the ongoing discourse on improving democratic practices in Nigeria.
“Justice Uwais was a true beacon of integrity, guiding the judiciary with grace and wisdom.
“His tenure as Chief Justice from 1995 to 2006 fundamentally transformed the landscape of our legal system, laying a foundation that continues to resonate today.
“Beyond the courtroom, he dedicated himself to the advancement of Nigeria’s electoral process, revealing a profound passion for democracy and good governance.
“Though he has left this earthly realm, his legacy will forever endure in the hearts of those he inspired.
“We honour his memory by striving for the justice and fairness he championed with unwavering resolve.
“Rest in peace, Chief Justice Uwais. Baba will be deeply missed,” Ajulo said.
Adegboruwa said the deceased “served Nigeria as a jurist with distinction, leveraging on his exalted office to preach unity, to deliver justice to those deserving and to promote integrity on the Bench.
“My Lord rose from his humble background in Zaria to join the highest court of the land with an unblemished record of diligence in service.
“As the longest serving jurist in the Supreme Court, My Lord deployed his wealth of experience to unite the Bench and Bar, rising ultimately to the peak of his career as one of the longest serving Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 to 2006.
“His sojourn in the court was characterised by excellence, delivering landmark judgments and making worthy contributions to the judgments of others.
“However, the defining moment of My Lord’s positive impact upon our nation was when he turned in the report for electoral reforms which contained fundamental ideas for sanitising our political space.
“The best way to honour this great jurist is for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revisit the Uwais Panel Report for the reform of INEC and to implement the reforms contained in the said report.”
Born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Justice Uwais was a towering figure in Nigeria’s legal landscape.
Known for his integrity, legal acumen, and commitment to reform, his career spanned decades of dedicated public service.
He was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple in London in 1963 and began his career as a State Counsel in Northern Nigeria.
He was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court in 1979 and later became Chief Justice of Nigeria in 1995; a position he held until his retirement in 2006.
Justice Uwais was a staunch advocate of judicial independence and led efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and constitutional framework.
In 2007, he was appointed by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to chair the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee, which produced the landmark “Uwais Report”.
Preparations were said to be underway for a funeral prayer and his interment.
