Obasanjo, Babangida, Osinbajo Mourn Passage Of Buhari

Former Nigerian leaders such as Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida(retd.),, Yemi Osibajo, a former vice president have paid tributes to the late former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari who died in London hospital on Sunday, 13 July , 2025 at the age of 82, reportsBusiness Today NG.
In his own tribute, Obasdanjo described the late former President as a statesman, a colleague, a reputable soldier and co-patriot who will be sorely missed.
He also described the death of Katsina-born general as unfortunate, saying he died when his experience is urgently needed to proffer solutions to myriads of its challenges.
The former president, who lead Nigeria as a military head of state in 1976 and democratically elected president from 1999-2007, stated this while speaking to newsmen on Sunday, 13 July, 2025.
“I received this afternoon the passing of a colleague, a comrade, a co-patriot, Gen. Muhammad Buhari who as an administrator played his role as an administrator, as a soldier, he played his role as a soldier and as a statesman, he played his role as a statesman to the nation.
“His death is a great loss to the nation because at a time like this we need the totality of experience or what I may call the statesmanship of all those who have had the opportunity of governing this country in the past to get us out of our present situation.
“He would be sorely missed and may his soul rest in perfect peace, ” Obasanjo said,
Babangida, a former military ruler, ,said he was saddened with the sudden demise Buhari.
In an emotion-laden tribute, he said, ”It is with a deeply heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of my friend, my brother, my course mate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood — President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
“Our paths crossed in 1962 when we both joined the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna.
“From those early days, Muhammadu stood out — quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria.
“Through the years, we shared trenches and trials, dreams and disappointments, victories and moments of reflection.
“Our bond was forged not only by military training, but by a shared commitment to the ideals of service, discipline, and love for country.”
Former vice president Osinbajo also mourned the death of the ex-President describing him as “a true patriot” whose life exemplified discipline, integrity, and service to the nation.
In a personal tribute he signed on Sunday,13 July, 2025, Osinbajo said he and his wife, Dolapo, were deeply saddened by the news of Buhari’s passing in a London hospital earlier in the day.
He wrote, “Dolapo and I received, with profound sadness, the news of the passing of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon.
“In the moments that followed, we spoke with Her Excellency Aisha Buhari and their son Yusuf Buhari to express our heartfelt condolences and to share in the deep grief of their beloved family—one with whom we had the honour of serving our nation for eight memorable years.”
The former Vice President described Buhari’s life as one marked by an unwavering devotion to the Nigerian people.
“Nigeria has lost a true patriot—a man whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved.
“President Buhari’s legacy will endure as a testament to the nobility of public service, defined by honesty, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the public good,” he said.
Osinbajo served as Vice President under Buhari from 2015 to 2023.
He prayed for strength and comfort for the late president’s family and for all who mourn him.
“We pray that the Almighty God will grant comfort and strength to his family, and to all who mourn his passing. May his memory always be blessed,” Osinbajo wrote.