A high-powered Nigerian presidential delegation, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, arrived in London on Monday morning to oversee the dignified repatriation of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s remains. The mission follows Buhari’s passing on Sunday afternoon in a London hospital after a prolonged illness.
Upon landing in the United Kingdom, the delegation was formally received at the airport by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum. Their arrival marks the commencement of final arrangements to return the late leader to his homeland for official mourning rites and state honours.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who announced Buhari’s death shortly after it occurred, immediately tasked the Vice President with leading the mission to London. In a gesture of national mourning and solidarity, President Tinubu also ordered that flags across Nigeria be flown at half-staff.
Muhammadu Buhari, remembered as a symbol of discipline, patriotism, and integrity, served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1984 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. His leadership and legacy have left a lasting impact on the nation.
Arrangements are now underway for the return of Buhari’s remains to Nigeria, where the country will observe a period of official mourning and pay tribute to one of its most influential leaders.