President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s former heads of state are expected to converge in Daura, Katsina State, today for the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London on Sunday after a prolonged illness.
The funeral arrangements are proceeding swiftly in accordance with Islamic rites, which require burial within 24 hours of death. Vice President Kashim Shettima departed London overnight with Buhari’s remains, following President Tinubu’s directive to personally oversee the repatriation of his predecessor’s body.
A senior presidency official, speaking anonymously to Punch, confirmed that the burial would take place today in Daura, Buhari’s hometown. “The burial is tomorrow (Monday). They’re bringing his corpse over the night. They’ll go straight to Daura. So, they’ll bury him tomorrow,” the official stated late Sunday night.
The source emphasized the urgency dictated by Islamic burial traditions, noting, “You know, the Islamic rites don’t take time.”
While the presidency has not officially announced President Tinubu’s travel schedule, multiple officials indicated that he is expected to travel to Daura to attend the funeral. “When the corpse arrives, we are sure the President would go there. After they go to Daura, the President can join them there,” another source revealed.
The funeral is also expected to draw international attention, with diplomatic sources indicating that several West African heads of state are planning to arrive in Nigeria to pay their respects to the late leader. However, specific names have not been confirmed as communications regarding their attendance are still ongoing.
“Yes, there would be mainly West African leaders. But we don’t know who and who until they start to communicate on Monday,” a presidency official explained. “The body will arrive early tomorrow and be buried. We’ll start having heads of state from West Africa. It is likely that some will come.”
The official added that foreign dignitaries who arrive would remain in their hotels until they receive confirmation of when they can meet with President Tinubu, who only returned to Nigeria early Sunday morning from his own overseas trip.
“You know, the President just came back early hours of today. And he’s still resting,” the official noted, suggesting that Tinubu may not receive foreign dignitaries until later in the day.
Former President Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023 and previously led the country as military head of state from 1983 to 1985, passed away at approximately 4:30 PM on Sunday in London where he had been receiving medical treatment.
The swift burial arrangements reflect both Islamic customs and the significant logistical coordination required for a state funeral that will bring together Nigeria’s political elite and regional leaders to honor one of the country’s most prominent political figures.
