Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has died at the age of 82.
His death was confirmed by his former spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, in a statement issued Sunday afternoon. According to Shehu, the late president passed away at a hospital in the United Kingdom.
“The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London,” the statement read. “May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus.”
Further details surrounding his death are yet to be disclosed.
Reacting to the news, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, described the passing of the former president as the end of a significant era in Nigeria’s national history.
In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the revered monarch recalled his recent meeting with Buhari, noting that he was in high spirits and warmly attended to his guests with grace. “It is really shocking to realize that he is no more. That in itself is a lesson to everyone on the transient nature of life,” the monarch said.
Ooni Ogunwusi extolled the former leader as a resilient soldier, committed democrat, and steadfast patriot who served the country with unwavering dedication both in uniform and in office. “As a true son of the North, an esteemed elder statesman, and a pan-African icon, Muhammadu Buhari stood for integrity, frugality, and an unyielding belief in a better Nigeria. His legacy as a nationalist, reformer, and bridge-builder will forever be etched in our national consciousness,” he said.
The monarch urged Nigerians across religious, ethnic, and political divides to draw inspiration from the former president’s enduring values of peace, equity, and progress.
On behalf of the Yoruba race, the entire House of Oduduwa worldwide, and traditional institutions across the country, the Ooni extended heartfelt condolences to the Buhari family, the Federal Government, the Katsina State Government, the Daura Emirate, and all Nigerians mourning the late leader.
He prayed for the repose of Buhari’s soul and for divine comfort to his family and loved ones.
