Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari was laid to rest on Tuesday in his native Daura, two days after his death in a London clinic at the age of 82.

His body was flown home early in the day, where President Bola Tinubu led a solemn reception at the airport in Katsina state. From there, the procession made its way to Daura, Buhari’s quiet hometown in northern Nigeria.

Hundreds gathered at the central mosque for the Janazah prayer — the traditional Islamic funeral rite — before the former leader was buried in the grounds of his home. His grave, modest and surrounded by close family and dignitaries, marked the end of a life that had straddled both military rule and democratic governance.

Among those present were President Tinubu, Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, and former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo. The moment was marked by military salutes and a ceremonial handover of the national flag that had draped Buhari’s coffin.

A Leader Remembered

The Nigerian government declared Tuesday a public holiday in his honour. Flags across the country were ordered to fly at half-mast.

“Today, we pay our final respects to a man who served Nigeria with quiet resolve and immense sacrifice,” President Tinubu said in a statement. “His contributions will not be forgotten.”

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who escorted the body back from the UK, said Buhari had died following a short illness, though no further details were disclosed.

Buhari’s passing prompted tributes from across the political spectrum, reflecting both his historic role and the mixed legacy he leaves behind.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, whom Buhari unseated in the 2015 elections, called him “a selfless leader who served the nation with character and conviction.”

General Ibrahim Babangida, who overthrew Buhari in a bloodless coup in 1985, also issued a statement. “Even in retirement,” Babangida said, “he remained a moral compass and a symbol of modesty in public life.”

From Coup Leader to Elected President

Buhari first came to power in 1983 as a military ruler, following a coup that promised to stamp out corruption. His tenure was marked by strict discipline and controversial crackdowns on press and civil liberties. He was removed from office less than two years later.

But in 2015, three decades after being ousted, Buhari made a dramatic political comeback. He became the first opposition leader in Nigeria’s history to defeat a sitting president at the ballot box.

Reelected in 2019, Buhari served two full terms before stepping down in 2023. His presidency saw major infrastructure projects and an anti-corruption campaign, but was also shadowed by persistent insecurity, economic strain, and criticism over his handling of national unity.

Final Journey Home

The funeral, originally slated for Monday, was pushed back due to what officials described as logistical delays.

As the sun set over Daura on Tuesday, mourners quietly filtered away from the grave site. For many, it was the end of an era.

“Buhari stood tall in Nigeria’s history,” said Malam Aminu Yusuf, a Daura resident who had come to pay his respects. “He made mistakes, yes, but he never stopped trying to serve.”

In the days ahead, Nigeria will reflect on his legacy — the soldier-turned-statesman who ruled in two very different eras, and whose journey ended where it began: in the heart of northern Nigeria.