Nigeria Mourns: Former President Buhari to Be Laid to Rest Today
"The late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London at age 82, will be buried today in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State
- Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari dies at 82 in London
- Burial scheduled for today in Daura, Katsina State
- Tributes flow in, remembering his anti-corruption stance and legacy
Nigeria is set to bid farewell to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82 in a London clinic.
His burial will take place on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, following consultations between the family and state officials.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina confirmed the arrangements, noting that Buhari’s remains will be flown into Nigeria for same-day interment. Vice President Kashim Shettima, along with other senior government officials, was in London on Monday to oversee the repatriation process.
Buhari, a former military ruler who staged a political comeback to win the presidency in 2015, became the first Nigerian to defeat an incumbent through democratic elections. He secured re-election in 2019 before stepping down in 2023.
Tributes have poured in globally, including from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised Buhari’s role in strengthening India–Nigeria relations. At home, Buhari is remembered as both a polarizing and principled figure—celebrated by supporters as an anti-corruption crusader and criticized by detractors for what they saw as a disengaged leadership style.
Ibrahim Babangida, the military leader who overthrew Buhari in a 1985 coup, called him a “deeply spiritual and humble man,” despite their political differences.
Known for his austere lifestyle, Buhari’s post-presidency years were spent in seclusion in Daura. His successor, President Bola Tinubu, inherited a nation struggling with inflation, insecurity, and economic instability.
While opinions on Buhari’s legacy remain divided, his influence on Nigeria’s political landscape is undeniable. His burial on Tuesday will mark the end of an era and the final chapter in the life of one of Nigeria’s most consequential and controversial leaders.
