Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has expressed his condolences to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who, on Sunday, announced the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
President Tinubu announced the passage of Buhari in a London hospital in a State House press release by his Special Adviser (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga.
The late immediate past president of Nigeria died today in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness.
As stated in the release, Tinubu has ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to go to the United Kingdom (UK) to accompany the body of the late former president back to Nigeria.
Tinubu was also said to have spoken with the widow of the former president, Mrs Aishat Buhari, and offered his deep condolences.
The late Nigerian leader was twice elected Nigeria’s president in 2015 and 2023.
He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.
Family announces his death
The family of the former president had earlier announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, in a clinic in London.
The family made the announcement in a very short statement by Garba Shehu, a former media aide of Buhari.
“May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin,” Garba Shehu added in the statement.
Makinde mourns
In a related development, Governor Makinde of Oyo State had condoled President Tinubu and the wife of the deceased, Mrs Aishat Buhari, and the entire family on the death of the immediate past president of Nigeria.
Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Sulaimon Olanrewaju, described Buhari’s death as unexpected, noting, however, that the former president made his mark in serving the country.
He prayed that God gives his family the fortitude to bear the loss, and also grant the former military Head of State Aljanah Firdaus.
The late former President Muhammadu Buhari will be buried in Daura, Katsina State, on Monday, in accordance with Islamic rites.
The late former president’s media aide, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a short statement.
