By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
THE BODY of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari is due to arrive in Daura today for burial in accordance with Islamic rites, following his death in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
President Bola Tinubu promptly directed the Vice-President Kashim Shettima to depart for the United Kingdom (UK) late Sunday night to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria.
The late statesman had died at 4:30pm on Sunday, according to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. Tinubu also confirmed he had spoken directly with Buhari’s widow, Aishat, to offer condolences.
Following the President’s directive, the national flags flown at half-mast for seven days and summoned an emergency session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as part of full state honours to be accorded to the late leader.
Oba Adetona Dies
On the same day as Buhari’s passing, Nigeria also lost one of its most revered traditional rulers, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland.
In a separate statement, Tinubu expressed “double pain” at the news, describing Oba Adetona as a voice of reason and a builder of unity during his 65-year reign.
The President said Oba Adetona provided exceptional leadership throughout Ijebuland and left behind a legacy of development, philanthropy, and education.
The late monarch’s contributions through institutions such as the School of Postgraduate and Research Studies in Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University were highlighted as enduring monuments.
Buhari’s Burial in Daura
Presidency officials said the former President Buhari’s body would arrive early Monday and be flown directly to Daura, Katsina State, where the burial is scheduled to take place later the same day.
The ceremony is expected to draw past Nigerian heads of state, led by Tinubu, and a number of West African leaders. While no final guest list has been released, officials confirmed dignitaries would begin arriving from Monday.
Tinubu Mours and Pays Tribute
Tinubu, who returned to Nigeria hours before the announcement of Buhari’s death, paid glowing tribute to his predecessor in a statement issued Sunday evening.
He described Buhari as “a patriot, a soldier, a statesman” who led Nigeria with “quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential.”
The President praised Buhari’s anti-corruption stance and his efforts to instill discipline in public life.
Buhari, who served as military head of state from January 1984 to August 1985 before returning as a democratically elected leader from 2015 to 2023, had battled a prolonged illness.
He travelled to London in late June for follow-up treatment, marking a continuation of his well-documented medical engagements abroad.
Between 2016 and 2022, he made at least 13 medical trips to the UK, including a notable 100-day absence in 2017.
Government officials also confirmed that the FEC would meet again on Tuesday in an emergency session dedicated to Buhari’s legacy.
The President’s statement included prayers for the peaceful repose of Buhari’s soul, saying, “We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.”
