Nigeria has lost one of its most respected legal minds, as former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, has died at the age of 89.
Born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Justice Uwais served as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) from 1995 until his retirement in 2006. He was widely known for his strong stance on judicial independence, integrity, and reform.
His death was confirmed in a statement by his family, who announced that funeral prayers would be held after Juma’at service at the National Mosque in Abuja, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Justice Uwais began his legal journey in 1963 when he was called to the Bar at Middle Temple, London. He returned to Nigeria and started as a State Counsel in the Northern Region. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, becoming a Justice of the Supreme Court in 1979. He made history as the first graduate of the Nigerian Law School to rise to the highest judicial office in the country.
During his time as Chief Justice, Uwais led efforts to reform the judiciary. He advocated for better funding, more judicial appointments, and measures to curb corruption and political influence within the court system. He also promoted the computerisation of court processes and encouraged public access to court records to improve transparency.
Even after his retirement, Uwais continued to play a major role in national affairs. In 2007, he was appointed to head the Electoral Reform Committee set up by the federal government. The committee’s report, known as the “Uwais Report,” made bold recommendations aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.
Among its key proposals were the creation of independent commissions for electoral offences and political party regulation, and a new process for appointing the INEC chairman — recommending that the appointment should come through the judiciary rather than the presidency to ensure neutrality.
While many of the recommendations are yet to be fully implemented, the Uwais Report remains one of the most comprehensive efforts at electoral reform in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Justice Uwais was known for his simplicity, humility, and firm belief in the rule of law. He earned the respect of colleagues, legal practitioners, and the public for his honesty and dedication to public service. In recognition of his outstanding service, he received several awards, including the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation’s Award for Excellence in Public Service and Justice Administration.
He is survived by his wife, Maryam Uwais, a lawyer and public servant who served as Special Adviser and Coordinator of the Social Investment Programmes under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Justice Uwais’s passing marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s judicial history. His life and career continue to serve as a model for legal professionals, judges, and public officeholders across the country. His work, particularly in the area of judicial and electoral reforms, remains relevant today as Nigeria continues to grapple with calls for stronger institutions and good governance.
He will be remembered as a jurist who stood for fairness, legal excellence, and national progress.
