Mohammed Lawal Uwais, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria and one of the country’s most respected legal minds, has died at the age of 88.

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

Uwais served as Chief Justice from 1995 until his retirement in 2006. He was best known for leading the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee in 2007, appointed by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. The committee’s report, which recommended sweeping changes to Nigeria’s electoral system, remains a key reference point in election reform debates.

A Distinguished Legal Career

Uwais was called to the Bar in London in 1963 after graduating from the University of London. His career spanned more than four decades and included roles as:

  • State Counsel and Senior State Counsel (1966–1970)
  • Chief Judge of Kaduna State (1973–1976)
  • Justice of the Court of Appeal (1977)
  • Justice of the Supreme Court (1979)
  • Chief Justice of Nigeria (1995–2006)

He also chaired the National Judicial Council, the Body of Benchers, and the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute.

Global Recognition

Uwais earned global respect for his legal intellect and commitment to justice. He served on international inquiries, including:

  • The Jimeta Disturbances Tribunal (1984)
  • Sri Lanka Presidential Inquiry into Army Deaths (1993, as a Commonwealth member)
  • Contract Inquiry Commission in North Central State (1976)

He was also Honorary President of the World Jurist Association, Honorary Fellow of the Society for Advanced Legal Studies (London), and a Trustee of the Global Legal Information Network Foundation.

Later Life and Legacy

In 2011, Uwais was named Chancellor of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University in Katsina. Until his passing, he remained an influential voice on legal reform and governance in Nigeria.