The Final Chapter: Nigeria’s Former President Buhari Dies in London.

The Final Chapter: Nigeria’s Former President Buhari Dies in London.

The Nigerian World.

The news as it trends.

On July 13, 2025, Nigeria lost one of its most consequential leaders as former President Muhammadu Buhari was pronounced dead at the age of 82.

The news was shared via social media by his former aide, Bashir Ahmad, with confirmation said to come from the family, noting that Buhari passed away in a London clinic.

The former military ruler and elected president leaves behind a deeply polarizing legacy marked by moments of reform, controversy, and iron-fisted governance.

Born in 1942, Buhari first rose to national prominence as a military general, taking power in a coup and ruling Nigeria from 1983 to 1985.

His regime was known for its strict discipline, including the enactment of retroactive drug laws that led to the execution of three young men—an action widely condemned as a violation of human rights.

His government also enforced harsh media restrictions, famously implementing Decree 4, which criminalized journalistic truth if it embarrassed the government.

These acts were later spotlighted by the Oputa Panel, where Buhari declined to testify, fueling further criticism.

Despite his military rule’s heavy-handed nature, Buhari returned as a civilian president in 2015, becoming the first Nigerian leader to win re-election after serving as a military head of state.

He championed anti-corruption campaigns and launched social programs like N-Power, but his administration faced backlash for selective prosecutions, economic stagnation, and alleged suppression of dissent.

Personally, Buhari was married twice — first to Safinatu Yusuf, who died in 2006, and later to Aisha Buhari, Nigeria’s former First Lady.

He fathered ten children: five with each wife.

His marriage to Aisha drew public attention during his presidency, particularly following her open criticism of his leadership and his now-infamous “kitchen and the other room” comment, which drew global outrage.

His death reignites national debate over the cost of leadership defined by control rather than compassion.

From enforcing draconian laws to fighting corruption with uneven results, Buhari’s story remains a complex study of power, principle, and the pursuit of legacy.

Reactions to his passing reflect Nigeria’s fractured memory—one filled with both applause and accusation.

Scroll down to view comments and public reactions on social media today following the announcement of Muhammadu Buhari’s death

Yetunde B reports for Yeyetunde’s Blog. 

Image: Bashir Ahmad’s death announcement screenshot / Ugonna Ufere / Facebook.

Images / Muhammadu Buhari / Instagram