President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari back to Nigeria following the elder statesman’s death in London earlier today.

The late President Buhari died at approximately 4:30 p.m. after a prolonged illness, according to an official statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

In response to the solemn development, President Tinubu has spoken with the late President’s widow, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, and extended his condolences on behalf of the nation.

Nigeria is in mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at the age of 81.

The news was confirmed by his former aide, Bashir Ahmad, in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

“President Muhammadu Buhari is dead. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus. Amin,” Ahmad wrote.

Buhari served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023, following an earlier tenure as military Head of State between 1983 and 1985.

A prominent figure in Nigeria’s political and military history, Buhari was known for his strong anti-corruption stance, a key pillar of his administration, along with efforts to stabilise the economy and improve national security.

His presidency was marked by significant challenges, including economic recessions, the Boko Haram insurgency, and calls for restructuring. Nonetheless, he maintained a reputation for personal discipline and integrity, especially among his supporters.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in line with Islamic traditions.

Tributes have begun pouring in from across Nigeria and the international community, honouring the legacy of a leader whose imprint on the nation’s political landscape spanned over four decades.

BY KUNLE SOLAJA

The President General of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper and captain, Peter Rufai, describing his passing as a monumental loss to Nigerian football.

In a heartfelt tribute on Friday, Ladipo lamented the growing number of fallen Nigerian sports heroes and called for national reflection and prayer in the wake of Rufai’s demise.

“Another big tree has fallen. What is it that is happening to our heroes? Why are we losing them one after the other?” he asked in an emotional statement. “Oh God, Peter Rufai is gone. The man who served Nigeria meritoriously for years.”

Ladipo fondly recalled Rufai’s iconic role in Nigeria’s football history, particularly his contribution to the national team’s success in the 1990s.

“He was our number one goalkeeper in Tunisia ’94, when we won the Africa Cup of Nations. He stood tall again at the USA ’94 World Cup and was there in France ’98. He was a winner all the time.”

Rufai, affectionately known as “Dodo Mayana,” passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the age of 61. He remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers, with a legacy that spans more than a decade of international service and over 60 caps for the Super Eagles.

Ladipo is devastated by the death of Peter Rufai

Ladipo expressed pain that Rufai died at a time he was still actively giving back to Nigerian football and youth development. “How could Peter Rufai leave when he was trying to give back, at a time he was needed most?” he asked.

He called on Nigerians to unite in prayers for the country, especially its athletes and sports heroes. “We must come together and start to fervently pray for this country, asking God Almighty to kindly have mercy,” he urged.

“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” Ladipo concluded.

The late Rufai’s death has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community, with tributes pouring in from former teammates, fans, and sports administrators across the country and beyond.

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