…“A patriot’s journey ends, but his legacy lives on”
The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, D.Litt, Ojaja II, has expressed deep shock over the passing of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, describing his death as the close of a significant and unforgettable chapter in the nation’s history.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Otunba Moses Olafare, Director of Media & Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, the revered monarch who also serves as Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), described the late Buhari as “a resilient leader, disciplined soldier, and unrepentant patriot whose entire life was devoted to the unity, peace, and progress of Nigeria.”
Reflecting on his most recent personal interaction with the late President, the Ooni recounted:
"He was in very high spirits, strong and jovial as always, attending to me with characteristic humility and warmth. It is incredibly shocking to accept that he is no longer with us. But even in this loss, there lies a solemn reminder to all mortals: that our time here is fleeting, and what we leave behind is what truly matters."
The Ooni emphasized that while death is an inevitable divine passage, men of great legacy such as President Buhari are not mourned in sorrow but celebrated in honour “for their footprints remain indelible in the sands of time.”
He praised Buhari's unwavering commitment to national development, his principled leadership, and his lifelong advocacy for unity across Nigeria's diverse regions.
"As a true son of the North and a proud pan-African elder statesman, President Buhari exemplified integrity, frugality, and uncompromising devotion to Nigeria’s collective destiny. From the battlefield to the Presidency, he gave his all to the nation," the monarch stated.
Highlighting the late President’s legacy as a nationalist, a reformer, and a bridge-builder, Ooni Ogunwusi called on Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and political divides to draw inspiration from his values and continue the pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
"His place in our national consciousness is etched in gold, and history will be kind to his memory," the statement read.
On behalf of the Yoruba race, the entire House of Oduduwa worldwide, and traditional institutions across the country, the Ooni extended heartfelt condolences to the Buhari family, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Katsina State Government, the Daura Emirate, and Nigerians at large.
"May the Almighty grant his soul eternal rest in Aljanah Firdaus and console the family, friends, and the nation he so dutifully served," the statement concluded.