Tinubu mourns passing of former Chief Justice Mohammed Uwais
By Kunle Sanni
Nigeria has lost one of its most distinguished jurists and statesmen with the passing of former Chief Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais. Justice Uwais died on Friday at the age of 89, coinciding with the celebration of Eid al-Adha.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, paid tribute to the late jurist, describing him as a “phenomenal jurist and statesman” who served the nation with honour, courage, and exceptional integrity.
Justice Uwais’s tenure as Chief Justice of Nigeria came at a pivotal time in the country’s history. He presided over the judiciary during a challenging era, providing stability with tact, patience, and a strong sense of duty. Notably, he had the honour of swearing in the first elected president on May 29, 1999, ushering Nigeria into its current democratic dispensation.
Beyond his years on the bench, Justice Uwais continued to serve the nation in retirement. He was appointed by the Federal Government to chair a panel investigating electoral conduct—a role for which his impeccable reputation and integrity made him the ideal candidate. The panel’s report offered a critical and detailed evaluation of Nigeria’s electoral system, highlighting areas for reform.
Throughout his life, both in service and in retirement, Justice Uwais maintained a dignified presence that earned him respect across Nigeria’s diverse communities.
President Tinubu expressed heartfelt condolences to Justice Uwais’s family, the government and people of Kaduna State, and the Nigerian judiciary. He prayed that God Almighty accept Justice Uwais’s soul and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.
The death of Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s legal and judicial landscape, leaving behind a legacy of steadfast commitment to justice and nation-building.
