Nigeria’s former Chief Justice, Mohammed Lawal Uwais, has passed away at the age of 89.
The death of the respected jurist was confirmed on Friday morning by Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo.
Justice Uwais served as the Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 until his retirement in 2006. Known for his deep legal insight and integrity, Uwais left a significant mark on Nigeria’s judiciary during his tenure.
“His contributions to the legal profession and judicial reforms in Nigeria remain indelible. He was a jurist of high repute who led with wisdom and courage,” Dr. Ajulo stated while confirming the development.
Following his retirement, Uwais continued to serve the nation. He was appointed by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to chair the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee. The committee was instrumental in proposing key reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process. Among the members were prominent individuals such as Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and human rights advocate, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN).
Tributes are expected to pour in from across the legal, political, and civil society spheres, reflecting Uwais’ towering influence on Nigeria’s legal system and governance structure.
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Funeral arrangements have not yet been made public.
Justice Mohammed Uwais is remembered as a principled figure who upheld the sanctity of the judiciary and pushed for reforms that shaped democratic governance in Nigeria.
