Uwais’ reign as CJN shaped Nigeria’s constitutional foundations, says Osinbajo
Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mohammed Uwais, describing him as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s constitutional development and democratic journey. Osinbajo said the Supreme Court under Uwais delivered some of the most consequential judgments in Nigeria’s history.
Justice Uwais, who died on June 6 at the age of 88, was Nigeria’s second longest-serving CJN, occupying the position from 1995 to 2006. After retiring, he chaired a presidential panel on electoral reforms inaugurated by then President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, submitting a landmark report in 2008.
In his tribute, Osinbajo noted that Uwais presided over the apex court during a period of deep constitutional tension and reform, and demonstrated exceptional intellectual clarity and institutional courage. He emphasized that Uwais’ insistence on constitutional supremacy over political convenience remains a guiding light for the judiciary.
Osinbajo cited several landmark rulings during Uwais’ tenure, including the 2002 case of AG Ondo State v. AG Federation, where the Supreme Court affirmed the right of state governments to sue the federal government over constitutional violations. This, he said, reinforced the principle of judicial redress in a federal system.
He also referenced the 2003 case of AG Lagos State v. AG Federation, which clarified the state’s authority over urban planning—even with regard to federal land. The court ruled that the federal government must obtain development permits from state authorities, thereby strengthening subnational autonomy.
On the issue of resource control, Osinbajo pointed to AG Federation v. AG Abia State (No. 2) in 2002, where the court held that offshore oil resources beyond 200 nautical miles belonged to the federation, not individual states. This ruling defined the scope of fiscal federalism and shaped Nigeria’s revenue allocation framework.
According to Osinbajo, Uwais’ judgments reflected a practical understanding of federalism—viewing it not just as theory, but as a living arrangement built on balance, accountability, and mutual respect between levels of government.
He concluded that Justice Uwais’ legacy would endure beyond his lifetime, as his court laid foundational stones that continue to support Nigeria’s democratic and constitutional architecture. “He will be remembered not just as a long-serving justice, but as a nation-builder in robes,” Osinbajo said.
