Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, has died at the age of 89. His death occurred in the early hours of Friday, June 6, 2025, in Abuja, just days before his 89th birthday on June 12. The news was confirmed by his family and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr. Kayode Ajulo.
Justice Uwais served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 until his retirement in 2006, making him one of the longest-serving heads of the nation’s judiciary. He was widely respected for his commitment to judicial reforms, integrity, and the independence of the judiciary. His leadership saw significant strides in strengthening Nigeria’s legal system and upholding the rule of law.
After retiring from the Supreme Court, Uwais was appointed by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to chair the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee. The committee, which included prominent Nigerians such as Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, produced the influential “Uwais Report.” This report recommended major reforms to Nigeria’s electoral process, including the creation of an independent electoral offences commission, reforms to the appointment process for the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the integration of technology in elections to enhance transparency and reduce fraud.
Born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Uwais was called to the Bar at Middle Temple, London, in 1963. He began his career as a State Counsel in the Northern Region of Nigeria and rose through the ranks to become a Justice of the Supreme Court in 1979.
Tributes have poured in from across the country, with legal, political, and civil society leaders praising Uwais’ legacy. Dr. Kayode Ajulo described him as a beacon of integrity whose transformative contributions to Nigeria’s judiciary and electoral system will endure. Ajulo and others highlighted Uwais’ advocacy for electronic voting, voter education, and fair political party financing as measures that continue to shape Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
Justice Uwais is survived by his wife, Mrs. Maryam Uwais, a lawyer and former Special Adviser in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Funeral arrangements are scheduled to take place after Juma’at prayers at the National Mosque in Abuja.
Justice Mohammed Uwais leaves behind a legacy of judicial excellence, visionary reforms, and unwavering dedication to the advancement of Nigeria’s democracy.
