Former Chief Justice Mohammed Uwais Passes Away At 88
Nigeria is mourning the death of Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, a revered former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who passed away in the early hours of Friday at the age of 88.
His death was confirmed by Kayode Ajulo, the Attorney General of Ondo State.
Born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Uwais rose to become one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s legal history. Appointed to the Supreme Court at the age of 43, he later served as Chief Justice from 1995 until his retirement in 2006—making him the second-longest-serving CJN in the country’s history.
Following his retirement, Uwais continued to shape the nation’s democratic journey. He was appointed by then-President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to chair the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee, which delivered its widely acclaimed report in December 2008. The report made bold recommendations, including the creation of an independent electoral commission and the introduction of electronic voting and result transmission to curb electoral fraud and deepen public trust in elections.
In a tribute, human rights advocate and professor, Chidi Odinkalu, recalled Uwais as a mentor and a man of rare virtue. “Under him, Nigerians voted the judiciary as the Man Of The Year in 2006. He was my birthday mate and a personal mentor. I mourn the passing of a truly good man,” he wrote.
Kayode Ajulo also praised the former CJN’s legacy, stating, “Uwais was a true beacon of integrity, guiding the judiciary with grace and wisdom. His tenure fundamentally transformed the landscape of our legal system.”
Ajulo further highlighted Uwais’s work on electoral reform, calling it “instrumental in our journey of democratic development.” He noted that Uwais’s leadership alongside respected figures like Bishop Matthew Kukah and Dr Olisa Agbakoba helped set “new standards” for electoral integrity in Nigeria.
Uwais’s contributions—both on the bench and beyond—remain deeply etched in Nigeria’s legal and democratic framework. His death marks the end of an era, but his vision and principles continue to influence the pursuit of justice and democratic governance in the country.
Melissa Enoch
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