A former Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Mohammed Uwais, has passed on at the age of 89.
A family source confirmed that the retired jurist departed the world in the early hours of Friday, June 6, 2025, in Abuja.
Preparations are underway for his funeral prayer and burial today 6 June 2025.
Born on June 12, 1936, Justice Uwais served as the Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 until his retirement in 2006.
After retiring from the Supreme Court, he was appointed by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to lead the Electoral Reform Committee, where he played a key role in efforts to improve Nigeria’s electoral system.
Mohammed Lawal Uwais GCON (born 12 June 1936, died 6 June 2025) was a Nigerian jurist who was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 1995 to 2006.
He chaired a commission that published a much-publicized report on electoral reform.
Uwais was the son of the Chief Alkali, and later Waziri of Zaria
After retiring from the Supreme Court, Uwais chaired a panel on electoral reform that submitted a report on 11 December 2008 with recommendations that included establishing commissions to deal with Electoral Offences, Constituency Delimitation and Political Parties Registration and Regulation.
Some of the power vested in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the State Independent Electoral Commissions would be transferred to the new commissions.
The committee recommended proportional representation in elections to the Federal and State legislatures and to the local government councils.
The report also recommended that the head of the Independent National Electoral Commission should be appointed by the judiciary rather than the President. This recommendation was rejected by President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Yar’Adua forwarded a modified version of the Uwais report to the legislature in 2009, drawing considerable criticism since many felt that recent elections had been deeply flawed and that basic reforms were required.
In March 2010, Acting President Goodluck Jonathan forwarded an unedited version of the report to the National Assembly for approval, by implication, saying that the recommendations should be implemented in their entirety before the 2011 national elections.
The issue of power to appoint the INEC head remained controversial. Before Jonathan had resubmitted the report, the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution had rejected the recommendation to transfer this power to the judiciary.
After the resubmission, deputy chief whip of the Senate, Mohammed Mana, argued that letting judiciary appoint the INEC chairman violated the principle of separation of powers, since the judiciary was responsible for hearing the cases arising from elections.
Meanwhile, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, in a solemn tribute to the late Chief Justice Uwais, described the renowned jurist as an inspiration to many, including him in his early years in the legal profession. He also spotlighted him as a visionary reformist of our electoral process.
An excerpt from the tribute, reads:
“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. His leadership as Chairman of the Electoral Reform Committee, alongside esteemed members such as Bishop Mathew Kukah and Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, OON, SAN, exemplified his remarkable wisdom. The recommendations he presented not only established new standards but also instilled in our system a profound understanding of law and the responsibilities it entails.”
“Among his most significant contributions was the call for the establishment of an independent electoral commission, a vital measure designed to enhance the integrity and transparency of Nigeria’s electoral process. Furthermore, his committee championed the integration of technology in elections, advocating for electronic voting and the transmission of results—initiatives aimed at reducing fraud and fostering public confidence in our electoral system. The reforms also underscored the critical need for voter education and equitable political party financing, ensuring that elections became more accessible and just for all.”
“The lasting impact of these recommendations continues to shape our electoral policies and informs the ongoing discourse on improving democratic practices in Nigeria.”
“Justice Uwais was a true beacon of integrity, guiding the judiciary with grace and wisdom. His tenure as Chief Justice from 1995 to 2006 fundamentally transformed the landscape of our legal system, laying a foundation that continues to resonate today. Beyond the courtroom, he dedicated himself to the advancement of Nigeria’s electoral process, revealing a profound passion for democracy and good governance.”
“Though he has left this earthly realm, his legacy will forever endure in the hearts of those he inspired. We honour his memory by striving for the justice and fairness he championed with unwavering resolve. Rest in peace, Chief Justice Uwais.”
