The body of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari has been repatriated, arriving back in the country two days after he passed away at the age of 82 in a London clinic.
President Bola Tinubu was present at the airport in Katsina State, in the north of the country, to formally receive the remains.
From there, the coffin will be taken to Buhari’s hometown of Daura, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) away, where he will be laid to rest within his family compound.
Other dignitaries present at the airport included Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou, and Buhari’s former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Buhari's house is already filled with mourners as friends, family and well-wishers await the arrival of his corpse.
Nigeria's government had declared Tuesday a public holiday to honour Buhari - who was also a former army general, one of only two Nigerians to have led the country as both a military leader and a democratically elected president.
Officials say the funeral, initially expected on Monday, was delayed for logistical reasons.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who accompanied the late leader’s corpse back to Nigeria, stated that Buhari had died after a brief illness without revealing any further details.
Tributes poured in for the late leader who served for two four-year terms after initially being elected president in 2015, becoming the first opposition leader to defeat an incumbent.
The man he beat, President Goodluck Jonathan, described Buhari as someone who "was selfless in his commitment to his duty and served the country with character and a deep sense of patriotism".
Former military ruler, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, who overthrew Buhari in a 1985 coup, also showered praise on the octogenarian.
"He is a man who, even in retirement, remained a moral compass to many, and an example of modesty in public life,” Babangida noted.
Tinubu, who will attend the funeral prayer in Daura, declared a seven-day national mourning period in honour of his predecessor.
In an official condolence statement released on Sunday evening, Tinubu said the nation would pay its final respects to the former leader with dignity and honour, starting with the lowering of all national flags to half-mast across the country from Sunday.
Buhari’s residence is already crowded with mourners, as relatives, friends, and supporters gather in anticipation of the arrival of his body.
The Nigerian government designated Tuesday as a public holiday to pay tribute to Buhari, who, as a former army general, was one of just two Nigerians to have governed the country both as a military ruler and as an elected civilian president.
Authorities reported that the funeral, which was originally planned for Monday, was postponed due to logistical challenges.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who traveled with the late president’s remains back to Nigeria, said Buhari passed away following a short illness but did not disclose additional information.
Tributes have continued to flow for the late leader, who served two four-year terms after first being elected president in 2015 and becoming the first opposition candidate to defeat a sitting president.
Goodluck Jonathan, whom Buhari unseated, described him as “selfless in his dedication to duty, serving the nation with integrity and deep patriotism.”
Former military ruler Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, who deposed Buhari in a 1985 coup, also offered praise for the elder statesman.
“He was a person who, even after leaving office, remained a moral guide for many and a model of humility in public life,” Babangida said.
President Tinubu, who plans to attend the funeral prayers in Daura, announced a seven-day national period of mourning in Buhari’s honour.
In an official condolence message released on Sunday evening, Tinubu said the country would pay its last respects with dignity, beginning with national flags being flown at half-mast across Nigeria starting Sunday.