Former President Muhammadu Buhari has been mourned by world leaders, diplomatic missions, and prominent statesmen following his death on Sunday in London at the age of 82.
President Bola Tinubu confirmed the passing of his predecessor and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the former leader.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria described Buhari as “a leader whose life was defined by service, discipline, and a commitment to restore integrity to public office,” adding that his legacy included efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria also paid tribute, saying, “We mourn a resolute leader whose unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s unity and progress leaves an enduring legacy. His pivotal contributions to advancing China-Nigeria relations will forever remain etched in our shared history.”
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali, extended condolences on behalf of his country, expressing solidarity with the Nigerian people during their time of mourning.
Sierra Leone’s President and current ECOWAS Chairman, Julius Maada Bio, wrote: “This is truly a devastating loss… our heartfelt condolences to his family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to the people of Nigeria.”
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo remembered Buhari as “a colleague, a comrade, a cool patriot,” and said he played his role diligently as a soldier, administrator, and statesman. “At a time like this, we need the totality of the experience… he will be surely missed,” Obasanjo said.
World Trade Organization Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, expressed shock at the news. “Unbelievable! I did not know just how ill HE President Buhari was… I am so very sad. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” she said.
Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1984 to 1985 and as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023, was a central figure in Nigeria’s modern political history, admired by supporters for his anti-corruption stance and austere leadership style.
