Nigeria’s legal community is in mourning following the death of former Chief Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, who passed away in Abuja at the age of 89.
Confirming the development, sources within the Supreme Court noted that preparations for his Islamic burial rites are underway.
Uwais, who served as CJN from 1995 to 2006, played a major role in Nigeria’s judiciary and democratic evolution. After retiring, he chaired the Electoral Reform Committee under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, pushing for critical reforms like electronic voting, voter education, and independent electoral processes.
Legal figures, including Kayode Ajulo (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), praised his legacy.
“Justice Uwais was a beacon of judicial excellence. He inspired generations of lawyers and guided the judiciary with grace and dignity,” Ajulo said. “The Electoral Reform Committee he chaired laid the groundwork for what we now consider credible elections. His foresight in advocating for technology and transparency in the electoral process remains unmatched.”
“His contribution to Nigeria’s democratic process, especially through the Uwais Panel Report, remains one of the most significant in our history,” Adegboruwa said. “To honour his legacy, President Tinubu should revisit and implement the electoral reform recommendations he championed.”
Uwais’ career spanned decades of public service, from Kaduna State’s judiciary to the Supreme Court, leaving a legacy of reform, professionalism, and judicial excellence.