Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, have arrived in London to receive the body of Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday.
The duo is leading the official Nigerian delegation to the United Kingdom, following a directive from President Bola Tinubu to oversee arrangements for Buhari’s return and burial in Nigeria.
The delegation was welcomed in London by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State; and other top officials.
Buhari died in London at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Sunday after a prolonged illness. While the exact nature of the illness has not been publicly disclosed, the former president had battled health issues during and after his time in office.
In 2017, Buhari spent several months in the UK receiving medical treatment, sparking widespread speculation about his condition. He returned later that August, appearing notably frail at the time.
Just last week, Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, told Channels Television that while the former president had been hospitalized, his situation was “not as intense as reported.”
“He was hospitalised, and now he is being cared for. He is in a recovery mode,” Shehu said. “Each day, he gets better… He is 82, eats healthy, and exercises regularly.”
Buhari, known for his rigid discipline and upright personal image, served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023. His passing has triggered an outpouring of condolences from world leaders, political allies, and citizens across Nigeria.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements are expected in the coming days.
