Mohammed Uwais, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has passed away at the age of 88. His d+ath was confirmed early Friday by Kayode Ajulo, Ondo State’s attorney general.
Born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Uwais became a Supreme Court justice at just 43 & went on to serve as CJN from 1995 to 2006 — the second-longest tenure in Nigeria’s history. After his retirement, he chaired the Electoral Reform Committee under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
The committee’s landmark 2008 report called for an independent electoral body & introduced forward-thinking recommendations such as electronic voting & result transmission.
Tributes have poured in for the respected jurist. Human rights advocate Chidi Odinkalu described Uwais as “a truly good man” & “a mentor.” Ajulo praised him as “a beacon of integrity” who “transformed the judiciary and championed democratic reforms.” Justice Uwais leaves behind a legacy of legal excellence, reform & unwavering service to Nigeria.
