President Bola Tinubu and several former Nigerian leaders are set to converge on Daura, Katsina State, today, for the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London following a prolonged, undisclosed illness.
Buhari, aged 82, will be laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, in accordance with Islamic rites, which require swift burial. His remains are expected to arrive in Nigeria early Monday.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, acting on President Tinubu’s directive, accompanied Buhari’s body from the United Kingdom back to Nigeria.
Presidency officials confirmed to journalists on Sunday that arrangements were in place for Buhari’s burial upon arrival.
“The burial is tomorrow (Monday). They’re bringing his corpse overnight. They’ll go straight to Daura,” an official who preferred anonymity said. “You know, the Islamic rites don’t take time.”
President Tinubu, who announced Buhari’s passing on Sunday evening, has ordered national flags flown at half-staff for seven days in honour of the late leader.
In a personally signed tribute, Tinubu described Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman” whose life was marked by unwavering service to Nigeria.
“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures,” Tinubu wrote. “Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life.”
He praised Buhari’s dedication to fighting corruption and enforcing discipline in public service, adding:
“He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.”
Tinubu also extended condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha, his children, and the people of Katsina State.
“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus,” Tinubu said.
As Nigeria mourns Buhari’s death, tributes have poured in from past Nigerian leaders, underscoring his impact on the nation’s political landscape.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Buhari as a “colleague, co-patriot, and statesman” whose death comes at a time Nigeria needs the collective wisdom of its past leaders.
“His death is a great loss to the nation because at a time like this we need the totality of experience… to get us out of our present situation,” Obasanjo said.
Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida expressed sorrow over the loss of his “friend, brother, and course mate,” recounting their bond dating back to 1962 when both joined the Nigerian Military Training College.
“Muhammadu stood out — quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria,” Babangida wrote in his tribute.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who served under Buhari from 2015 to 2023, hailed him as “a true patriot” whose life exemplified discipline, integrity, and devotion to public service.
“President Buhari’s legacy will endure as a testament to the nobility of public service, defined by honesty, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the public good,” Osinbajo said.
Read also:
- Progressive Governors’ Forum mourn Buhari
- Buhari: Nigeria lost a less materialistic leader –APC chieftain
- Buhari’s death lesson to those in Power- Ohanaeze Mourns demise
Buhari had travelled to London in late June for follow-up medical care related to an undisclosed condition. During his eight-year presidency, he frequently sought medical treatment abroad, making at least 13 trips to the UK between 2016 and 2022.
His longest medical absence came in 2017 when he spent over 100 days in London, sparking national debates about leadership and succession.
Following the news of Buhari’s death, contrasting scenes emerged at his residences. In Kaduna, Buhari’s home on Sultan Lane was heavily guarded, with military trucks stationed outside and journalists turned away. The area remained largely deserted, with neighbours visibly affected but no significant gathering of mourners.
In stark contrast, Buhari’s hometown of Daura saw a steady flow of mourners arriving to pay their respects. Sympathisers gathered in and around his residence, while Katsina town witnessed quiet assemblies in public spaces, where residents shared memories of the late President.
A family source confirmed preparations for the burial in Daura and said official funeral arrangements would be announced soon.
As Nigeria braces for the final farewell to one of its most consequential leaders, dignitaries from across West Africa are also expected to arrive in Nigeria to pay tribute.
President Tinubu has convened an emergency session of the Federal Executive Council scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in honour of the late Buhari.
