Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, have arrived in London to receive the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday.

The duo is leading the Nigerian delegation to the United Kingdom following a directive from President Bola Tinubu. The delegation arrived in London early Monday and was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, among others.

Buhari died in London at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Sunday following a prolonged illness, although the specific nature of the ailment was not disclosed. The late president had a history of health challenges, having been flown to the UK for medical treatment in May 2017 before returning in August of the same year.

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Just last week, his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, told Channels Television that Buhari had been hospitalised but was improving. “It was not as intense as reported. He was hospitalised and is now being cared for. He is in a recovery mode,” Shehu said. “Each day, he gets better, but until it’s all over, you can’t say it is over. He looked much better after leaving office than before he became president. He is 82, he eats healthy, and exercises regularly.”

President Tinubu has ordered flags to fly at half-mast nationwide in honour of the late leader and extended his condolences to Buhari’s family.

Tributes have continued to pour in from dignitaries across Nigeria, many describing Buhari as a man of integrity and discipline.

Born in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985. Known affectionately as “Baba Buhari” in northern Nigeria, he enjoyed widespread support and retained a loyal, almost cult-like following throughout his political career. His influence remained a force to reckon with long after he left office.