President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has led tributes to the late former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, describing him as a “phenomenal jurist and statesman” who served the country with “honour, courage and exceptional integrity.” Justice Uwais passed away on Friday at the age of 89.
In a statement released by the State House, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the loss, noting that the late jurist died on the same day Nigerians across the country are marking the Islamic festival of Eid-al-Adha.
“Many remarkable highpoints hallmarked Justice Uwais’ illustrious career on the bench,” the President said. “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.”
Justice Uwais, who served as Chief Justice from 1995 to 2006, had the historic honour of swearing in Nigeria’s elected president on May 29, 1999, at the dawn of the Fourth Republic—an event President Tinubu described as a defining moment for the nation’s democratic journey.
Following his retirement, Uwais continued to serve the nation when he was appointed by the Federal Government to lead an electoral reform panel. “Given his pedigree and personal integrity, he was the right person for that onerous assignment,” President Tinubu said. “Not surprisingly, Justice Uwais led the panel to produce a critical report that contained a detailed prognosis of our electoral system.”
The President also noted the dignity and respect Justice Uwais commanded throughout his life, both in active judicial service and in retirement.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Uwais family, the government and the people of Kaduna State, as well as the members of the Nigerian Judiciary, over the death of this colossus,” the President said, praying for Almighty God to accept the soul of the late jurist and admit him to Jannatul Firdaus.
Justice Uwais is remembered as a towering figure in Nigeria’s legal and democratic development, whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of legal minds and public servants.
