Buhari’s leadership was defined by a commitment to anti-corruption, national security, and infrastructure development
Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies at 82: Nigeria Bids Farewell to a Statesman of Principle | By Owolabi Aleshinloye
Nigeria mourns the loss of one of its most prominent and influential leaders, former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jul y 13th, 2025, at a private hospital in the city London, United Kingdom at the age of 82, following a prolonged illness.
A former military ruler turned elected president, Buhari served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1983 to 1985, and later as democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. The People’s General was fortunate to have served the country twice as a military leader and a civilian president.
A Lifetime of Service!
Born on December 17th, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, Muhammadu Buhari began his public life as a military officer, quickly rising through the ranks with a reputation for discipline and integrity. His military government between 1983 to 1985 was known for its war against indiscipline and strong anti-corruption stance.
Three decades later, in a historic democratic turn, Buhari made history in 2015 when he defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.
The President of Integrity!
Buhari’s leadership was defined by a commitment to anti-corruption, national security, and infrastructure development. His administration pursued massive public works projects, including railways, roads, and agricultural reforms, and introduced major social programs aimed at reducing poverty and youth unemployment.
Despite facing criticism over economic challenges and health-related absences during his presidency, he remained widely respected for his personal discipline, humility, and refusal to engage in excess. His signature style, measured, reserved, and stoic, made him both admired and critiqued in equal measure.
National Mourning and Global Tributes!
In recognition of his service, his friend and President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared seven days of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast across the country, and declared Tuesday 15th of July as public holiday in honor of Mai Gaskia. Buhari’s body was flown home to Nigeria and laid to rest on Tuesday, July 15, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Leaders across the globe, including those from the African Union, ECOWAS, and the United Nations, paid tribute to Buhari’s legacy. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described him as “a man of deep patriotism whose commitment to Nigeria was beyond question.”
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, stated: “President Buhari’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation and anti-corruption efforts will be remembered for generations.”
Legacy of a Patriot
Throughout his life, Muhammadu Buhari remained a symbol of austere leadership in a nation hungry for accountability. Whether in uniform or in democratic office, he projected a rare image of honesty, frugality, and unwavering loyalty to Nigeria.
He is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, children, grandchildren, and a grateful nation.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s name is etched into the annals of Nigerian history, not just as a soldier or a politician, but as a leader whose convictions shaped decades of national discourse.
As Nigeria bids farewell, we remember him not just for the offices he held, but for the principles he lived by.
May his soul rest in perfect peace!
May Almighty Allah grant unto him Aljana Firdaus (Amen).
Comrade Owolabi Aleshinloye (OwoSports) is a seasoned journalist and public commentator. He writes from Lagos State, South West Nigeria.
July 15, 2025
