DAURA, Nigeria — Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will be laid to rest today in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, following his death on Sunday in London at the age of 82.
Buhari died after a brief illness, according to officials accompanying his family in the UK.
His body will be flown to Nigeria on Monday morning, accompanied by Vice-President Kashim Shettima and Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda.
“I just left his family at the hospital where he died. The decision is that his remains will be taken to Daura for burial,” Governor Radda told DW Hausa, as quoted by the BBC.
Despite being a former Head of State, Buhari will not receive a state funeral.
Islamic cleric Abdullahi Garangamawa confirmed that the burial will follow Islamic rites and may be delayed until Tuesday morning if the body arrives after sunset, as Islam discourages night burials.
Nationwide Mourning
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared seven days of national mourning in honour of his predecessor.
In a statement issued Sunday evening, Tinubu directed that all flags be flown at half-mast, noting that the country would pay its final respects “with dignity and honour.”
Tinubu is expected to attend the Janazah prayer (funeral service) in Daura.
Tributes From Across Africa
Condolences have poured in for the former leader, who made history as one of only two men to rule Nigeria both as a military general and an elected civilian president.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who lost to Buhari in the 2015 general election, praised his sense of patriotism and commitment to public duty.
“He served Nigeria with character and devotion,” said Jonathan.
General Ibrahim Babangida, who ousted Buhari in a 1985 coup, described him as “a moral compass” and “an example of modesty in public life.”
President William Ruto also paid tribute, calling Buhari’s death “a loss not only to Nigeria but to all of Africa.”
He highlighted Buhari’s contributions to anti-corruption efforts, regional peace, and economic integration on the continent.
“In this time of grief, Kenya stands in solidarity with the people of Nigeria,” Ruto said in a statement posted to X on Monday.
He recalled Buhari’s state visit to Nairobi in 2016 and his congratulatory message after Ruto’s 2022 election win as milestones in Kenya-Nigeria relations.
Your Excellency and Dear Brother,President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,On behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Kenya, I extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Your Excellency, the Government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon the passing
From Soldier to Statesman
Buhari first rose to power in 1982 via a military coup, later becoming head of state until his ouster in 1985.
After years in political wilderness, he returned to win the presidency in 2015 and secured re-election in 2019.
He completed his second and final term in 2023, handing over power to President Tinubu.
He is remembered as a leader who inspired both loyalty and criticism — championing anti-corruption and security reform while facing growing dissent over his handling of economic and human rights issues.
