By the Lagos Metropolitan News Desk
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, a towering figure in Nigeria’s political history, has died in London at the age of 82. The announcement, made on Saturday, July 13, by family spokesperson Garba Shehu, stated that the former president passed away at a London clinic following a prolonged illness. Unconfirmed reports, including those by SaharaReporters, suggest he succumbed to complications from leukemia.
As Nigeria and the world absorb the news, tributes, criticisms, and formal preparations have begun to shape what will likely be one of the most significant state funerals in recent memory.
A Nation in Mourning
President Bola Tinubu has declared a period of national mourning in honour of his predecessor. Nigerian flags across the country and at diplomatic missions abroad are to fly at half-mast until further notice. In a sign of solemn respect, Vice President Kashim Shettima has been dispatched to the United Kingdom to escort Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.
Condolence registers have been opened at State Houses, government offices, and Nigerian embassies around the world. The Presidency is expected to announce full funeral arrangements in the coming days.
Funeral Arrangements and Islamic Rites
Though no official schedule has been released, sources suggest that Buhari’s remains will be flown to Daura, Katsina State—his ancestral hometown—for interment. Consistent with Islamic tradition, the rites will likely include Ghusl (ritual washing), the Janazah (funeral prayer), and prompt burial within 24 hours of repatriation.
A formal state funeral ceremony in Abuja is anticipated before the final burial, with invited dignitaries from across Africa and beyond.
Divided Reactions at Home
The announcement of Buhari’s death sparked a tidal wave of reactions across Nigeria. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), citizens expressed a spectrum of emotions—ranging from solemnity to searing criticism.
“May Allah grant him Aljannatul Firdaus,” read one widely shared message. Yet, others posted blunt criticisms, with one post reading, “The damage he did will outlive him.”
The public reaction reflects the enduring divisions over Buhari’s legacy. While hailed by many for his personal integrity and focus on infrastructure, others hold him responsible for economic hardship, escalating insecurity, and perceived sectionalism during his tenure.
A Legacy in Reflection
Garba Shehu’s recent book, According to the President, provides rare insights into Buhari’s time in office. Describing the late president as austere, inward, and quietly resolute, Shehu defended Buhari’s decisions on infrastructure development and anti-corruption, while also acknowledging failures in public communication and national security.
“Buhari was not building for applause but for posterity,” Shehu writes. “Yet, his silence during crises became deafening.”
Under Buhari’s watch, Nigeria saw both high points—like the completion of major roads, rail lines, and the Second Niger Bridge—and persistent challenges, including youth unemployment, farmer-herder conflicts, and multiple economic recessions.
Tributes and Global Reactions
As news of Buhari’s death circulates, formal tributes are expected from world leaders and institutions. African heads of state are anticipated to attend the state funeral or send envoys. The African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the United Nations are also expected to issue statements acknowledging Buhari’s contributions to regional security, peacekeeping, and anti-corruption.
Diplomatic missions in Abuja, Washington D.C., London, and other global capitals have begun signing condolence books.
Final Word
Muhammadu Buhari’s journey from a military ruler (1983–1985) to a democratically elected president (2015–2023) marked him as one of the most consequential and controversial leaders in Nigeria’s post-independence history.
To some, he was the incorruptible general who returned to fix a broken system. To others, he was a distant figure whose silence amplified national suffering.
As his body returns home, Nigeria begins not only the process of mourning but also the long, layered task of reckoning with the legacy of a man who reshaped power—and provoked enduring debate.
