President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, who died on Friday at the age of 89, described him as a phenomenal jurist and statesman who served Nigeria with honour, courage, and exceptional integrity.
In a condolence message issued on Friday, June 6, 2025, the President expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the revered jurist, noting that Justice Uwais’ death came on the same day the Muslim faithful in Nigeria marked Eid-al-Adha.
“Many remarkable highpoints hallmarked Justice Uwais’ illustrious career on the bench. He superintended the Judiciary at a challenging time in our history with tact, patience, and a sense of duty,” the President stated.
President Tinubu further highlighted Justice Uwais’ pivotal role in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, recalling that he had the distinguished honour of administering the oath of office to the newly elected president on May 29, 1999, at the dawn of the Fourth Republic.
He also commended the late jurist’s post-retirement contributions to national development, particularly his leadership of the presidential panel on electoral reform, which produced a comprehensive report that continues to shape discourse on Nigeria’s electoral system.
“In active service and retirement, the late Justice Uwais maintained a dignified persona, earning him respect beyond his immediate constituency,” the President added.
President Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the late jurist and offered his condolences to the Uwais family, the Government and people of Kaduna State, and members of the Nigerian Judiciary.
“May God Almighty accept the soul of Justice Uwais and admit him to Jannatul Firdaus,” the President prayed.
Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 to 2006. He is remembered for his unwavering integrity, commitment to justice, and contributions to legal and electoral reform in Nigeria.
