The Supreme Court of Nigeria has expressed its condolences to the family of the late former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammad Uwais.
Justice Uwais, who served as the 9th CJN, died in the early hours of Friday.
Dr Festus Akande, the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Supreme Court, in a statement in Abuja said Uwais left behind a formidable legacy of judicial excellence and integrity.
“We honour his tireless dedication to the rule of law and the improvement of the Nigerian judiciary; values for which he will always be remembered.
“His professional achievements and unwavering commitment to justice have had a lasting impact on Nigeria’s legal landscape.
“He will be sorely missed by colleagues, friends, and the many lives he touched throughout his career.
Uwais who was born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State served as the 9th Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 until his retirement in 2006.
He embarked on a remarkable journey through the legal profession.
He was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple, London in 1963 and quickly made a name for himself through his commitment to justice and fairness.
Over the decades, he held various influential positions within and outside the judiciary. During his tenure as Chief Justice, he championed judicial reforms aimed at improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.
He was instrumental in the establishment of the National Judicial Council, which plays a critical role in maintaining the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
Uwais was also dedicated to advancing legal education and was a mentor to many young lawyers and judges.
Ozekhome mourns Uwais, praises judicial legacy
Meanwhile, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN), has said the death of Justice Uwais at 89 came as a shock to him and the entire nation.
Speaking with NAN, Ozekhome described Uwais as a towering figure in Nigeria’s legal and constitutional landscape.
“One cannot say he died too young — he surpassed the average Nigerian male lifespan of 61.2 years,” the senior lawyer reflected.
Uwais joined the Supreme Court with striking energy at age 43, Ozekhome noted, and served as Chief Justice for 11 years.
“He left visible, enduring legacies. His tenure on the bench was marked by discipline, integrity, and deep legal scholarship,” Ozekhome added.
He further praised Uwais’s leadership of the Supreme Court, noting that it was a period when judicial decisions were consistent and reliable.
Beyond the courtroom, Uwais chaired the influential Presidential Committee on Electoral Reforms under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
“The committee made ground-breaking recommendations. Nigeria might have avoided today’s electoral crises had they been implemented,” Ozekhome said.
Uwais also led the Body of Benchers and served in international legal bodies, further cementing his national and global stature.
His passing on Eid Kabir day, Ozekhome said, “is a sign that he was ready to meet his Creator. May Allah grant him Aljanah Firdausi.”
Justice Uwais served as Nigeria’s Chief Justice from 1995 to 2006, and was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, in 1936.
His career was defined by bold judicial reforms and an unwavering defence of judicial independence, leaving a mark on Nigerian legal history.