The National Assembly has halted all legislative proceedings to honor the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London at the age of 82. A statement released by Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana announced that both chambers would suspend plenary sessions and related duties until Tuesday, July 22. The leadership emphasized that the break was a gesture of respect for Buhari’s lifetime of public service.
Senate President and House Speaker directed lawmakers to clear their schedules to participate in the former president’s burial rites. The Assembly extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Buhari family, and citizens across the country, particularly those from Katsina State, Buhari’s home. The gesture underscores the weight of Buhari’s legacy in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Majority Leader in the Senate, also paid tribute to Buhari and the recently deceased Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona. In a joint homage, Bamidele described the two as enduring symbols of unity and ethical leadership. He remarked that both men, who passed on the same day—July 13—were irreplaceable pillars in their respective domains: politics and traditional rulership.
Reflecting on Buhari’s public service, Bamidele praised his disciplined leadership, from his brief military rule in the 1980s to his civilian presidency between 2015 and 2023. He also credited Buhari with helping reshape Nigeria’s political direction through the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which led to a historic victory in 2015. The senator offered condolences to Aisha Buhari, the Daura Emirate, and political allies.
Meanwhile, tributes also poured in for Oba Adetona, whose 65-year reign was marked by stability and inclusiveness. Bamidele highlighted the monarch’s unifying role and commitment to peace beyond political lines. The House of Representatives echoed similar sentiments for Buhari, describing him as a defining figure in Nigeria’s journey toward democracy and national identity.