President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, have led tributes in honour of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, who passed away at the age of 89 in Abuja.
Supreme Court sources confirmed the passing of the eminent jurist, whose death marks the end of a remarkable era in Nigeria’s judicial history.
President Tinubu described the late jurist as a “phenomenal jurist and statesman,” noting that Justice Uwais served the country with “honour, courage and exceptional integrity,” both on and off the Bench. He said the former CJN’s role in stabilising the judiciary during the country’s transition from military to civilian rule in 1999 remains a cornerstone of 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,” the President stated.
Recalling the late jurist’s service after retirement, Tinubu said: “In retirement, the Federal Government called upon Justice Uwais to head a panel to investigate the conduct of our elections. Given his pedigree and personal integrity, he was the right person for that onerous assignment.”
The 2007 Uwais Electoral Reform Panel, which he chaired, produced a landmark report that remains central to electoral reform discourse in Nigeria. It recommended the creation of an independent electoral commission and proposed the use of technology in voting and result transmission.
“Not surprisingly, Justice Uwais led the panel to produce a critical report that contained a detailed prognosis of our electoral system,” Tinubu said, adding that the late jurist maintained a “dignified persona” that commanded respect long after he left the Bench.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari also paid his respects, calling Justice Uwais “a model of integrity and compassion,” and describing his death as “a painful loss to the nation.”
“As the head of the nation’s judiciary, he made notable contributions in bringing justice closer to the people,” Buhari said in a message issued by his spokesman, Garba Shehu.
“He will always be remembered by countless people for his emphasis on a meticulous approach to law as a judge and a member of the Council of States,” he added.
Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in her own tribute, called Justice Uwais “a towering figure in Nigeria’s legal and judicial history.”
“Appointed to the Supreme Court in 1979 and later rising to serve as the Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 to 2006, Hon. Justice Uwais distinguished himself by his unwavering commitment to justice, courage in the defence of the rule of law, and the clarity and scholarship of his judgments,” she said.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also praised his post-retirement service, stating: “His post-retirement service, including chairing the Electoral Reform Committee, further affirmed his deep love for country and passion for institutional integrity.”
In a separate statement, the Supreme Court said: “He served as the 9th Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 until his retirement in 2006, leaving behind a formidable legacy of judicial excellence and integrity.”
The court’s spokesperson, Dr. Festus Akande, noted that Justice Uwais was instrumental in establishing the National Judicial Council, which today safeguards judicial independence in Nigeria.
Born on 12 June 1936 in Zaria, Kaduna State, Uwais was called to the Bar at Middle Temple, London, in 1963. He started his career as State Counsel in Northern Nigeria, was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1979, and became CJN in 1995.
Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, former Attorney General of the Federation, described the late CJN as “a visionary whose contributions will be remembered for generations.”
“Justice Uwais’s bold and articulate judicial decisions, advocacy for access to justice, and unwavering stance on the independence of the judiciary remain enduring signposts for the advancement of the legal profession in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
Lawyers Kayode Ajulo, SAN and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, echoed similar sentiments.
Ajulo described Uwais as “a beacon of integrity” and a man whose “tenure as Chief Justice from 1995 to 2006 fundamentally transformed the landscape of our legal system.”
“Justice Uwais was instrumental in our journey of democratic development and nation-building, serving not only as a jurist but as a visionary reformist of our electoral process,” Ajulo said.
He recalled the reforms introduced by the Uwais Panel, including advocacy for an independent electoral commission, electronic voting, and voter education, saying: “The lasting impact of these recommendations continues to shape our electoral policies.”
Adegboruwa praised the late jurist for his unblemished service and his contributions to electoral reform.
“My Lord rose from his humble background in Zaria to join the highest court of the land with an unblemished record of diligence in service,” Adegboruwa said.
He urged President Tinubu to honour Justice Uwais’ legacy by revisiting and implementing the recommendations of the Uwais Panel Report.
“However, the defining moment of My Lord’s positive impact upon our nation was when he turned in the report for electoral reforms which contained fundamental ideas for sanitising our political space,” he said.
Justice Uwais’ legacy, which includes the defence of constitutional democracy, independence of the judiciary, and promotion of electoral integrity, has earned him admiration from across legal, political and civil society circles.
