Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, describing the news as both shocking and devastating.

The former President reportedly died on Sunday in London, United Kingdom, while receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness.

In a statement issued from Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun said although death is inevitable for all mortals, the passing of the former leader came as a rude shock.

 “Former President Muhammadu Buhari dead? It is hard to process this news at the moment. We had expected, like he did in the past, that he would pull through at this time,” Abiodun said. “But we take profound comfort in the fact that he left great imprints on the sands of time.”

He praised Buhari as a gallant soldier, a patriot, and a disciplined leader, noting that his reputation for accountability, integrity, and commitment to national development defined both his military and civilian leadership.

Abiodun acknowledged that Buhari’s military rule had its critics but emphasized his ability to reinvent himself and serve two terms as a democratically elected president. He highlighted Buhari’s achievements in infrastructure development, especially in roads and railways.

“As a person, he was straightforward, affable, witty, and humble. Even his severest critics will readily admit that he did not seek public office for personal gain,” the Governor added.

Governor Abiodun also noted Buhari’s close ties to Ogun State, where he began his military career, and his keen interest in the state’s development.

He extended his condolences to Hajia Aisha Buhari, the Buhari family, the Government and people of Katsina State, the Daura Emirate, the Nigerian Army, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the latter as having lost a friend and comrade.

 “May Almighty Allah grant him Aljanat Firdaus,” he concluded.