‎

‎Prof. Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN), says the death of Justice Lawal Uwais at 89 came as a shock to him and the entire nation.

‎

‎By Wandoo Sombo

‎

‎Prof. Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN), says the death of Justice Lawal Uwais at 89 came as a shock to him and the entire nation.

‎

‎Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ozekhome described Uwais as a towering figure in Nigeria’s legal and constitutional landscape.

‎

‎“One cannot say he died too young — he surpassed the average Nigerian male lifespan of 61.2 years,” the senior lawyer reflected.

‎

‎Uwais joined the Supreme Court with striking energy at age 43, Ozekhome noted, and served as Chief Justice for 11 years.

‎

‎“He left visible, enduring legacies. His tenure on the bench was marked by discipline, integrity, and deep legal scholarship,” Ozekhome added.

‎

‎He further praised Uwais’s leadership of the Supreme Court, noting that it was a period when judicial decisions were consistent and reliable.

‎

‎Beyond the courtroom, Uwais chaired the influential Presidential Committee on Electoral Reforms under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

‎

‎“The committee made ground-breaking recommendations. Nigeria might have avoided today’s electoral crises had they been implemented,” Ozekhome said.

‎