Samuel Omang
Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who served under the late President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023, has paid a deeply emotional tribute to his former boss, reflecting on his character, legacy, and the solemn moment of his homecoming.
Osinbajo’s message, titled “Farewell, Mr. President!”, captures both personal grief and national mourning as Nigeria bids goodbye to a leader who shaped its history over several decades.
Recalling the moment Buhari’s remains arrived in Nigeria, Osinbajo wrote:
“As I stood on the tarmac, waiting for his body to be brought from the plane, beside President Bola Tinubu, the President of Guinea Bissau, three former African Presidents and a Prime Minister, and thousands of people around us, I couldn’t help but wonder: What would he have said if he could see this himself?”
The answer, Osinbajo said, came immediately to mind:
“My good God!”
“That was his favorite phrase, full of wonder and disbelief,” he added, noting that it reflected Buhari’s humility and sense of awe in the face of life’s great moments.
Muhammadu Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s President from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023, leaves behind a legacy that many associate with integrity, discipline, and a deep sense of public service. A former military ruler turned democrat, Buhari returned to power as a civilian leader with a promise to fight corruption, tackle insecurity, and reform governance.
During his eight-year administration, Buhari prioritized anti-corruption campaigns, infrastructural development, and social investment programs, even as the nation grappled with severe economic challenges, insecurity, and global shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Buhari’s deputy for eight years, Osinbajo shared many defining moments with him, from steering Nigeria through economic recessions to managing national crises. Reflecting on those years, Osinbajo emphasized Buhari’s personal qualities:
“He was a man of profound simplicity, unwavering honesty, and deep patriotism. He bore the burdens of leadership with uncommon grace and calm.”
Osinbajo described Buhari as a leader who trusted his team, allowed open dialogue, and prioritized the national interest over personal ambition.
“He was never one to seek personal glory,” Osinbajo said. “What mattered to him was doing what he believed was right for the country, no matter how unpopular it seemed at the time.”
The arrival of Buhari’s body at the Abuja airport drew thousands of mourners, including President Bola Tinubu, African leaders, and ordinary Nigerians. Flags flew at half-mast as a mark of respect, and tributes poured in from across the continent, acknowledging Buhari’s role as a statesman who influenced African politics for decades.
“Standing there on the tarmac, watching the plane taxi to a stop, I was struck by the enormity of the moment,” Osinbajo wrote. “Here was a man who gave so much of his life to this country — from the battlefield to the highest office in the land. Today, we honor that sacrifice.”
International tributes hailed Buhari as a key voice in African peacebuilding, regional security, and economic cooperation. His leadership in ECOWAS initiatives, counterterrorism efforts against Boko Haram, and advocacy for debt relief for developing nations underscored his influence beyond Nigeria’s borders.
While Buhari was often seen as reserved, those close to him, including Osinbajo, remember his humor, humility, and deep faith.
“He had a disarming sense of humor, and his laughter was warm and genuine,” Osinbajo said. “Behind the image of a stern soldier was a man who cared deeply for people and who prayed fervently for this nation.”
As Nigeria mourns, Osinbajo urged citizens to remember Buhari’s lifelong dedication to the country:
“We honor him not only for the positions he held but for the values he stood for — honesty, service, and sacrifice. His life reminds us that leadership is a trust, a duty to serve with integrity.”
He ended his tribute with a simple, heartfelt prayer:
“May his memory always be blessed. Farewell, Mr. President.”
Political leaders, civil society groups, and ordinary Nigerians have taken to social media and public forums to share condolences. Many praised Buhari for his incorruptibility, while others reflected on the challenges of his tenure. Across the political spectrum, however, there was a shared acknowledgment of his patriotism and service.
Muhammadu Buhari is survived by his wife, Aisha, children, and grandchildren.