Justice Uwais: Nigeria Bids Farewell to a Towering Legal Icon

Nigeria is mourning the loss of one of its most revered jurists, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, who passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the age of 89. Widely respected for his legal brilliance, integrity, and statesmanship, Justice Uwais leaves behind a legacy that helped shape modern Nigeria’s judiciary and democratic process.

His passing, poignantly coinciding with the celebration of Eid al-Adha, has evoked an outpouring of tributes from across the country. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the nation in mourning, describing Uwais as a “phenomenal jurist and statesman” whose life was defined by courage, honour, and unwavering commitment to public service.

Appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria during a particularly turbulent period in the country's history, Justice Uwais became a symbol of calm leadership and judicial integrity. Perhaps his most historic moment came on May 29, 1999, when he administered the oath of office to President Olusegun Obasanjo, officially marking the return to civilian rule after years of military dictatorship. This ceremonial act was more than symbolic, it was a turning point that reaffirmed the judiciary’s central role in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

"Many remarkable highpoints hallmarked Justice Uwais' illustrious career on the bench. He superintended the Judiciary at a challenging time in our history with tact, patience, and a sense of duty. This stabilising role helped usher in the current democratic dispensation, which he had the distinct honour of ushering in as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who swore in the elected president on May 29, 1999." President Tinubu stated in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Trusted Beyond the Bench

Even after retiring from the Supreme Court, Justice Uwais remained a pivotal figure in national affairs. In one of his most impactful post-retirement roles, he chaired the Electoral Reform Committee under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration. The Uwais Report, as it came to be known, provided a comprehensive diagnosis of Nigeria’s electoral weaknesses and proposed far-reaching reforms aimed at strengthening democratic governance. Though not all recommendations were adopted, the report remains a critical reference point in conversations about electoral credibility.

A Life of Integrity and Grace

Beyond his legal accomplishments, Justice Uwais was lauded for his dignified demeanour, humility, and moral fortitude. He was a mentor to many within the legal community and a figure of national unity who earned respect across political and ethnic lines. President Tinubu, in his condolence message, extended sympathies to the Uwais family, the people of Kaduna State, and the entire Nigerian judiciary, calling Uwais “a colossus” whose influence will be felt for generations to come.

As Nigeria reflects on the life and legacy of Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, his memory stands as a testament to the power of integrity in public life and the enduring value of principled leadership.