Former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the nation and hailing him as “a true patriot.”
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 13, 2025, Osinbajo expressed profound sorrow at the news of Buhari’s death. He noted that both he and his wife, Dolapo, were deeply saddened by the development and had personally reached out to the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, and their son, Yusuf, to convey their condolences.
“Dolapo and I received, with profound sadness, the news of the passing of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon,” he wrote. “In the moments that followed, we spoke with Her Excellency Aisha Buhari and their son Yusuf Buhari to express our heartfelt condolences and to share in the deep grief of their beloved family—one with whom we had the honour of serving our nation for eight memorable years.”
Reflecting on the life and legacy of the late president, Osinbajo praised Buhari’s enduring impact on Nigeria’s national character. “Nigeria has lost a true patriot—a man whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved,” he said. “President Buhari’s legacy will endure as a testament to the nobility of public service, defined by honesty, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.”
Osinbajo and Buhari served together from 2015 to 2023, during which time they tackled numerous national challenges and jointly oversaw reforms in the economy, security, and infrastructure. Their working relationship was often described as harmonious, with Osinbajo acting as Acting President at key moments during Buhari’s health-related absences.
In closing, the former Vice President offered prayers for the Buhari family and for all Nigerians mourning his loss. “We pray that the Almighty God will grant comfort and strength to his family, and to all who mourn his passing. May his memory always be blessed,” the statement concluded.
President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and as civilian President from 2015 to 2023, passed on during a prolonged illness in a London hospital.
His death marks the end of an era in Nigerian politics, one shaped by his distinct leadership style, austere discipline, and fierce nationalism.
Read Also
Read full statement below…
BUHARI: NIGERIA HAS LOST A TRUE PATRIOT-OSINBAJO
Dolapo and I received, with profound sadness, the news of the passing of His Excellency, former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon.
In the moments that followed, we spoke with Her Excellency Aisha Buhari and their son Yusuf Buhari to express our heartfelt condolences and to share in the deep grief of their beloved family—one with whom we had the honour of serving our nation for eight memorable years.
Nigeria has lost a true patriot—a man whose life was marked by unyielding devotion to the nation he loved. President Buhari’s legacy will endure as a testament to the nobility of public service, defined by honesty, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.
We pray that the Almighty God will grant comfort and strength to his family, and to all who mourn his passing. May his memory always be blessed.
Signed:
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON
Immediate Past Vice President
Federal Republic of Nigeria
13th July, 2025
