Hon. Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais GCON, today, a holy day in the spiritual realm, slept to wake no more into this world of toils.
He was one of the few justices of this country that served longest in the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He ended as the Chief of Justice of Nigeria ,with many more years than anyone before him.
He served with integrity, dignity, honour, and faithfully in accordance with his judicial oath. He left a judiciary who was respected and trusted by most Nigerians. He is gone, but his words will, for many decades, guide judicial decisions.
I can proudly say that I had the privilege of arguing many cases before panels of the Supreme Court, where he presided, and whether I won or lost, I was satisfied that he was not corrupted.
He was deep in the knowledge of the law,courageously espoused it, very gentle and humorous.
He encouraged young lawyers to be their best, including me, to take Silk, even at the age of 15 years at the Bar and I became. God bless his gentle soul.
As Chairman of Chairmen and Secretaries of the 47 branches of the NBA, the Committees that restored the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to life in 1996-1998, his counsel were invaluable.
He respected the bar as a big partner in the administration of justice. He was humble but bold in expressing his thoughts and beliefs. He was a great leader, father, and friend.
As Chairman Body of Benchers, I and a few Benchers visited him very recently to seek his views about how to train Nigerian lawyers for the global market tomorrow. He was forthright and clear in his thoughts for the need to effect major changes in the content of training lawyers for today and tomorrow.
He lived a full and fulfilled life.
I will never forget that he and his bosom friend and brother, the late Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim SAN.CON shared lunch with my family in my home. That was a great unforgettable honour ,
Abdullahi Ibrahim passed before him, and if there are opportunities to meet again in heaven, they would meet to part no more as friends, brothers, and confidants.
He gave his best to Nigeria and his passing should remind all of us still in the service of God, as Justices and lawyers, that someday we will pass and give account to the Most High, the most merciful God, for how we served, like Hon Justice Mohammadu Lawal Uwais did.
May God comfort his wives, particularly Mariam,our learned friend, and all the children of the family. May Allah remember his faithful services to humanity and grant him Aljana firdausi.
Adegboyega Awomolo SAN.
Past Chairman BoB.
