Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais, Dies at 89

Nigeria mourns the loss of Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who passed away in Abuja on Friday at the age of 89. His death was confirmed by Dr. Kayode Ajulo, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State. Justice Uwais, a revered jurist, served as CJN from 1995 to 2006, leaving a lasting legacy in Nigeria’s judiciary and democratic reforms.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Mohammed Uwais began his education at Native Authority Elementary School in Kaduna and later attended Barewa College, graduating in 1957. He briefly worked as a Publicity Assistant in the Ministry of Information, Kaduna, before pursuing a law degree at the University of London. In 1963, he was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple, laying the foundation for his illustrious legal career.

Legal Career and Rise to Chief Justice

Uwais started as a Pupil State Counsel in Northern Nigeria’s Ministry of Justice, rising to Solicitor-General of North-Central State by 1971. Appointed a High Court Judge in 1974, he served briefly as Acting Chief Judge of Kaduna State in 1976 before joining the Federal Court of Appeal in 1977. In 1979, at age 43, he became a Supreme Court Justice, serving for 27 years—the longest tenure in the court’s history. As CJN from 1995 to 2006, he championed judicial independence, notably administering the oath of office to President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, marking Nigeria’s return to democracy.

Personal Life

Justice Uwais was married to Mrs. Maryam Uwais, a respected lawyer and human rights advocate who served as Special Adviser on National Social Investment Programmes under President Muhammadu Buhari. The couple had four children: Zainab, Aisha, Hafsat, and Aminu. Known for his humility and integrity, Uwais was a private yet inspiring figure, admired by peers and mentees like Dr. Kayode Ajulo, who recalled his commanding presence in court.

Legacy and Accomplishments

Uwais’ tenure as CJN strengthened judicial integrity, earning the judiciary the “Man of the Year” title in 2006. Post-retirement, he chaired the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, producing the 2008 Uwais Report, which proposed key electoral reforms, including an independent electoral offences commission. His judicial decisions, documented in Uwais Through Cases, remain influential. In 2024, Ahmadu Bello University awarded him a Doctor of Laws (LL.D) Honoris Causa for his contributions to Nigeria’s legal system.

Impacts

Justice Uwais played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s democratic transition, stabilizing the judiciary during military and civilian regimes. The Uwais Report’s recommendations, such as electronic voting and INEC reforms, continue to shape electoral policy debates. His mentorship inspired legal luminaries like Chidi Odinkalu, and his commitment to justice earned him widespread respect as a statesman. President Bola Tinubu described him as a “jurist of exceptional integrity” whose work advanced Nigeria’s democracy.

Tributes and Funeral

Tributes have poured in from legal, political, and civil society leaders. Posts on X from figures like @ChidiOdinkalu praised his mentorship and legacy. His funeral took place after Juma’at prayers at the National Mosque in Abuja on June 6, 2025, per Islamic rites. Justice Uwais’ contributions to Nigeria’s judiciary and democracy will endure, inspiring future generations to uphold justice and integrity.