The death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at 82 in London on July 13, has unleashed a tidal wave of reactions.
These reactions range from solemn tributes to unfiltered outrage. For some, it marked the end of an era. For others, it reopened deep wounds.
Tributes from the Political Class and Public Figures
Leading politicians and dignitaries led with messages of condolence and reverence:
Femi Fani-Kayode posted on X:
“A great and proud son of Nigeria has passed. May his soul rest in peace.”
Reno Omokri, known for his critiques of Buhari during his presidency, surprised many by offering a measured tribute:
“He served Nigeria in war and in peace. From God we come, and to Him we return.”
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General, expressed shock: “Unbelievable. I didn’t know how ill President Buhari was… may he rest in perfect peace.”
Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, as well as presidential candidates like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, all released statements acknowledging Buhari’s service to Nigeria. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum called his passing a “monumental loss to Africa.”
Not Everyone is Mourning: Online Backlash and Bitter Memories
Outside political circles, emotions turned sharply — especially across social media.
One Nigerian on X declared:
“I’ll drink to Buhari’s death — and I don’t even drink.”
Others went even further: “His government made me an orphan.”
“He made me an orphan in one week.”
Some of the harshest remarks cited economic hardship, security failures, and especially the Lekki Toll Gate shootings during the #EndSARS protests — a moment that forever stained Buhari’s civilian legacy.
“What took him so long?”
“Gone too late,” wrote others, underscoring the lingering resentment.
These voices weren’t anonymous — prominent entertainers like DJ Switch, who live-streamed the 2020 #EndSARS massacre, openly questioned the praise pouring in from political quarters.
A Divisive Legacy: Strength or Suppression?
| Theme | What It Reflects |
|---|---|
| Dueling Narratives | Some saw a principled leader of discipline. Others, a distant ruler who silenced the streets. |
| Generational Divide | Young Nigerians bore the brunt of policies seen as repressive or indifferent. |
| The Cost of Silence | Buhari’s failure to address key human rights issues continues to shape how he is remembered. |
