Mohammed Uwais: Profile of a judicial legend

Mohammed Uwais, a distinguished Nigerian jurist renowned for his tenure as the Chief Justice of Nigeria has passed away at the age of 88.

The news of his death was confirmed in the early hours of Friday by Dr. Kayode Ajulo, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State.

Background

Mohammed Lawal Uwais was born on 12 June 1936 in Zaria, Kaduna State.

He hailed from a respected family, being the son of the Chief Alkali and later Waziri of the Zaria Emirate.

Judicial career

Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais began his journey in the legal profession when he was called to the Bar at Middle Temple, London, in 1963.

He commenced his career as a State Counsel in Nigeria’s Northern Region and steadily rose through the judicial ranks, culminating in his appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court in 1979.

Uwais served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 to 12 June 2006.

He succeeded Mohammed Bello and was later succeeded by Salihu Moddibo Alfa Belgore.

Known for his integrity and dedication, Uwais significantly influenced Nigeria’s judiciary during his tenure.

Role in electoral reform

Following his retirement, Justice Uwais continued to play a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic process.

In 2007, he was appointed by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to lead the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee.

The outcome of this assignment was the widely acclaimed “Uwais Report,” which proposed far-reaching reforms to Nigeria’s electoral system.

The commission’s 2008 report recommended establishing commissions to address electoral offenses, constituency delimitation, and political party regulation.

It also proposed shifting some powers from INEC to these new bodies and introducing proportional representation for legislative elections.

Controversy over INEC appointment

A notable and controversial recommendation was that the judiciary, rather than the President, should appoint the INEC chairman.

This proposal was rejected by President Umaru Yar’Adua and sparked extensive debate in political circles, highlighting concerns about the separation of powers.

Family

Justice Uwais was married to Mrs. Maryam Uwais, a lawyer and public servant.

She served as Special Adviser and Coordinator of the Social Investment Programmes during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, contributing significantly to national welfare initiatives.

Death

Mohammed Lawal Uwais passed away on 6 June 2025, aged 88.

He is remembered for his judicial excellence and his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic and electoral reforms.