By Sola Ojewusi,
The atmosphere at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina was heavy with grief this afternoon as the remains of former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, arrived from London to commence his final journey home. Leading the nation in mourning was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who stood visibly shaken and deeply saddened as he received the casket of his predecessor and political ally.
President Tinubu, dressed in a black agbada and a dark cap, fought back tears as the Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying the late statesman touched down shortly before 2:00 p.m. The casket, draped in the green-white-green of the Nigerian flag, was lowered by a military honour guard as a brief but solemn ceremony unfolded on the tarmac.
Flanked by Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, governors, and top military officials, Tinubu bowed his head in reverence and stood silently before the casket. His grief was unmistakable. He later offered a brief tribute:
“Today, I mourn not only a former President, but a mentor, a brother, and a man whose life was defined by discipline, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria. His footprints are etched in the soil of our nation’s history.”
From the airport, the body of the late President was conveyed in a long, dignified motorcade to his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, where interment was scheduled to take place later this evening. Along the highway, thousands of mourners lined the roads, waving, praying, and weeping as the convoy passed. Many clutched photographs, posters, and flags—testaments to the deep connection Buhari shared with his people.
Security was tight along the Katsina–Daura route as soldiers, police, and civil defence corps lined both sides of the road. In Daura, an even larger crowd had gathered at the family residence where the Islamic funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) was about to begin.
President Tinubu is expected to attend the interment alongside African dignitaries, northern traditional rulers, and former heads of state who have flown in to honour the late General.
Muhammadu Buhari, a former military ruler (1983–1985) who returned as a civilian president from 2015 to 2023, leaves behind a complex but indelible legacy. Widely praised for his anti-corruption crusade, modest lifestyle, and firm leadership, he also faced criticism over economic challenges and rising insecurity during his time in office.
Nevertheless, today, Nigeria paused to honour the man who once described himself simply as “a disciplined soldier and a patriot with no regrets.”
As the sun dipped over the ancient city of Daura and the chants of prayers rose into the sky, one could feel the end of an era settle quietly over the north. The earth, which bore witness to Buhari’s birth and rise, now prepares to receive him in final rest.
Sola Ojewusi is the Publisher, The Lagosian Magazine
