The Editor-in-Chief, Supreme Court Reports, Mr Layi Babatunde (SAN) has joined other Nigerians to bid farewell to the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, who was the longest-serving Justice of the Supreme Court.

Babatunde described the late Uwais as a titan of the bench and conscience of the judiciary.

He said Uwais, fondly known as “Baba” by colleagues, friends, and mentees, is remembered not only for his scholarly depth and fair judgments, but also for a lifetime of humility, devotion to principle, and dignity that marked his extraordinary career on the bench.

“Justice Uwais served the nation with integrity and purpose, embodying a rare blend of legal excellence and moral clarity.

“Throughout his decades-long career, he remained unswervingly committed to the independence of the judiciary, often at personal cost.

“His chambers were once mysteriously broken into—a stark reminder of the risks he bore while holding steadfast to judicial integrity. Yet even such intrusions never deterred his resolve.

“His leadership of the Supreme Court during crucial moments in Nigeria’s constitutional history set enduring precedents.

“Notably, in A.G. Lagos State v. A.G. Federation (2004), Justice Uwais authored the lead judgment affirming the constitutional rights of states to receive statutory allocations from the federal government, ruling against the presidential seizure of funds,” he recalled.

Similarly, in the 2003 case involving urban planning
jurisdiction, the Uwais-led court, he said, affirmed the autonomy of federating states over local governance matters.

According to him, these decisions cemented his legacy as a fierce protector of Nigeria’s federal structure.

Babatunde, therefore, prayed to God to comfort his beloved family, his colleagues and all who were touched by his life and legacy.