Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (1995–2006)
The Nigerian legal community mourns the passing of Hon. Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, CON, GCON, who departed this life on Friday, June 6, 2025, just days before his 89th birthday.
In a heartfelt tribute, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, FCIArb, recalled her profound personal and professional encounter with the late jurist, notably her first-ever Supreme Court appearance in March 2005 in the case UBA Plc v. BTL Ind. Ltd. (2005) 10 NWLR (Pt. 933) 356.
The session, presided over by Justice Uwais, left a lasting impression marked by his calm demeanour, judicial brilliance, and quiet authority.
Describing him as “a judge’s judge”, she reflected on his extraordinary judicial career, which began in 1973 at the age of 37. Justice Uwais served as a judge in the High Courts of North-Central and North-Eastern States, Acting Chief Judge of Kaduna State, and Justice of the Court of Appeal and was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1979.
He remains the longest-serving justice in Nigeria’s history, spending 27 years on the Supreme Court, including 11 years as Chief Justice of Nigeria.
His tenure is remembered for its intellectual rigour, fairness, and unwavering commitment to justice. Among his many landmark pronouncements, his commentary in Amadi v. NNPC (2000) 10 NWLR (Pt. 674) 76 stands out, highlighting the detrimental effects of interlocutory appeals on the speed of justice.
“His Lordship’s legacy is timeless,” said Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya. “May his soul rest peacefully in Al Jannah Firdaus.”
Justice Uwais is survived by his family, a grateful nation, and generations of legal professionals inspired by his life and work.
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, FCIArb
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