Former President Nana Akufo-Addo, and former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, visited the Nigerian High Commissioner’s residence in London to pay respects to the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. The two former leaders joined a growing list of dignitaries and sympathizers from across Africa who have traveled to London following the announcement of Buhari’s death. Their presence underscored the regional significance of Buhari’s leadership and the bonds that tie West African nations together.
The two African statesmen were received by Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who is heading the official Nigerian delegation tasked with coordinating arrangements for Buhari’s remains. Shettima welcomed Akufo-Addo and Jonathan at the High Commissioner’s residence, where prayers were offered for the late president. The meeting provided an opportunity for expressions of solidarity between Ghana and Nigeria, reflecting the mutual respect that has characterized relations between the two countries during and after Buhari’s tenure.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, who led Nigeria first as a military head of state from 1984 to 1985 and later as an elected president from 2015 to 2023, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025. He died at a London hospital following a prolonged illness that had kept him out of the public eye in recent months. His passing marks the end of an era in Nigerian politics, as Buhari was widely regarded as a pivotal figure in the country’s contemporary history.
The condolence visit came at a time when Nigeria is officially mourning the loss of one of its most prominent leaders. President Bola Tinubu declared seven days of national mourning beginning on Monday, with a public holiday scheduled for Tuesday, July 15. Government offices, schools, and businesses across the country will close as Nigerians reflect on Buhari’s legacy. Flags are being flown at half-mast, and special prayers are being organized in mosques and churches nationwide.
Vice President Shettima was accompanied by several high-ranking officials as he led the delegation in London. Among those present were Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, and Deputy Chief of Staff Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia. Together, they also visited Buhari’s widow, Aisha Buhari, who has been receiving condolences from leaders and well-wishers, as well as Buhari’s nephew, Malam Mamman Daura, who is recovering from an illness in a London hospital.
Arrangements are underway to repatriate Buhari’s remains to Nigeria, where he will be laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State. According to official plans, the body will arrive in Nigeria by noon on Tuesday, July 15. The burial is scheduled to take place at 2:00 p.m., following Islamic funeral rites. Authorities have announced heightened security measures in Daura to manage the large number of mourners expected to attend the funeral ceremonies.
During the visit, Akufo-Addo praised Buhari’s role in promoting stability and cooperation across West Africa. He highlighted Buhari’s leadership in regional initiatives and his efforts to strengthen institutions within Nigeria. Jonathan also shared his reflections, commending Buhari’s dedication to preserving Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty. Both men emphasized that Buhari’s qualities of discipline, integrity, and service resonated far beyond Nigeria’s borders and left a lasting impact on the continent.
As Nigeria prepares to bid farewell to its former president, tributes have continued to pour in from across the country and abroad. The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, confirmed that all preparations for the burial were in place. Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) called on young Nigerians to look to Buhari’s example of honesty and civic responsibility. The outpouring of respect and remembrance reflects the complex legacy Buhari leaves behind as a soldier, statesman, and advocate of anti-corruption reforms.
