Buhari’s Final Journey: A Nation Bids Farewell as Former President’s Body Leaves London
On the morning of July 15, 2025, a Nigerian Air Force aircraft lifted off from London, carrying the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s stoic leader whose life and legacy continue to stir deep emotions. The aircraft, escorted by Vice President Kashim Shettima, marked the beginning of a somber homecoming for a man whose name is etched in Nigeria’s history as both a military ruler and a democratic president. Buhari, who passed away at 82 in a London clinic on July 13 after a prolonged illness, leaves behind a nation grappling with his complex legacy and a world watching as Nigeria mourns.
The scene at London’s Heathrow Airport was one of quiet dignity. A small contingent of Nigerian officials, alongside British representatives, stood in solemn silence as the former president’s casket, draped in the green and white of Nigeria’s flag, was loaded onto the aircraft. For many Nigerians, this moment was more than a logistical transfer; it was the closing chapter of a life that shaped the nation’s trajectory for decades. Buhari’s journey back to Daura, his hometown in Katsina State, is not just a physical return but a symbolic one, bringing a towering figure back to the soil of his roots.
Buhari’s death has sparked a wave of reflection across Nigeria. To some, he was a disciplined patriot, a military man turned democrat who fought corruption and sought to unify a fractious nation. To others, his tenure was marked by economic struggles, security challenges, and accusations of favoritism that left deep scars. His passing at a London clinic, far from the dusty streets of Daura, has only intensified these debates. Why was he abroad for treatment? Why not in Nigeria, a nation he led for eight years as president from 2015 to 2023 and earlier as military head of state from 1983 to 1985? These questions linger, adding layers of intrigue to an already poignant moment.
As the aircraft touched down in Katsina, President Bola Tinubu, a political ally and successor, stood ready to receive the body. The government has planned a brief but poignant military ceremony, followed by funeral prayers at Buhari’s modest residence in Daura, in line with Islamic rites. The choice of Daura for his burial is fitting: Buhari was a man who, despite his national prominence, remained deeply tied to his northern heritage. His unassuming lifestyle, often highlighted by his modest attire and reserved demeanor, endeared him to many, even as his policies sparked fierce debate.
For Nigerians, the news of Buhari’s passing has been a moment to pause and reflect. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been flooded with tributes, criticisms, and everything in between. “Baba was not perfect, but he meant well,” wrote one user, echoing a sentiment shared by many who saw Buhari as a leader who tried to steer Nigeria through turbulent times. Others were less forgiving, pointing to the economic hardships and insecurity that marked his presidency. “He left us with more questions than answers,” another post read, capturing the polarized legacy of a man who was both revered and reviled.
The journey of Buhari’s body from London to Daura is more than a logistical event; it’s a narrative of a nation at a crossroads. His death comes at a time when Nigeria faces ongoing challenges: economic instability, security threats, and a restless youth population demanding change. Buhari’s life, from his rise as a young military officer to his controversial presidency, mirrors Nigeria’s own struggles with identity, governance, and progress. His return to Daura, a small town far from the glittering capitals of Abuja or Lagos, feels almost poetic, a reminder of the humility he often projected, even if his leadership was seen by some as falling short.
As the funeral prayers are set to take place, all eyes are on Katsina. The ceremony will likely draw dignitaries, supporters, and critics alike, each bringing their own interpretation of Buhari’s life. For some, it will be a moment to honor a leader who stood firm in his convictions. For others, it will be a chance to reflect on missed opportunities and unresolved challenges. What is undeniable is that Buhari’s story is Nigeria’s story, a tale of resilience, contradiction, and the unending quest for a better future.
As the sun sets over Daura, and the final prayers are said, Nigeria will lay to rest not just a man, but an era. Muhammadu Buhari’s journey has ended, but the questions he leaves behind, about leadership, legacy, and the soul of a nation, will linger for years to come.
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