Nigeria is mourning the loss of a towering figure in its judicial history, as former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammed Uwais, has passed away at the age of 89.
His death was confirmed on Friday morning by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr. Kayode Ajulo.
Justice Uwais served as the CJN from 1995 until his retirement in 2006, earning widespread respect for his unwavering commitment to judicial integrity and reform. His tenure marked a period of significant transformation within Nigeria’s judiciary, with a strong emphasis on transparency and the rule of law.
After his retirement, Uwais was appointed by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to lead the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee. The panel, which included notable Nigerians such as Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and renowned human rights advocate Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, was instrumental in recommending far-reaching reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Meanwhile, an outpouring of tributes from leaders in the legal, political, and civil society sectors is expected in the coming days, as the nation remembers one of its most distinguished jurists.
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