Buhari: Top Nigerians who died abroad and were brought back for burial — and why
From London to Daura—Why Nigeria’s top leaders are dying abroad but buried at home.
The recent death of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London has once again highlighted a longstanding tradition in Nigeria — political and national leaders passing away abroad, often during medical visits, and being repatriated for burial. While foreign deaths of Nigerian elites spark debates about healthcare and privilege, the eventual return of their bodies to Nigerian soil often turns into elaborate state ceremonies of honour and symbolism.
Here are notable Nigerian leaders who died abroad and were brought back for final rites.
1. Muhammadu Buhari (2025) – London, United Kingdom
The most recent high-profile case, Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025, in London, reportedly at the London Clinic where he had received medical care for years. Plans were swiftly made by the Federal Government to return his remains to Daura, Katsina State, for a state burial with military honours. His body was flown home under full presidential protocol and laid to rest amid national mourning.
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2. Alex Ekwueme (2017) – London, United Kingdom
Nigeria’s first civilian Vice President (1979–1983) died in London after being flown there on government directive for medical care. Upon his death, his body was returned and buried in Oko, Anambra State, after a state funeral that saw tributes from across the political spectrum.
3. Dora Akunyili (2014) – India
The former NAFDAC Director-General and Minister of Information passed away in India while undergoing cancer treatment. Her body was flown back to Nigeria and she was buried in her hometown in Agulu, Anambra State, in a ceremony that celebrated her legacy of public service and reform.
This will be President Buhari’s final resting place. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/dfAKu8oyUh
— Mohammed Jammal (@whitenigerian) July 15, 2025
4. Aliyu Akwe Doma (2018) – Israel
Former Governor of Nasarawa State, Doma died in an Israeli hospital. His body was returned to Nigeria and interred in Doma, his ancestral home, with full honours from the state government and traditional rulers.
5. Stella Obasanjo (2005) – Spain
The late First Lady died during a cosmetic procedure in Spain. Her body was flown back and she was buried in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in a private but nationally recognized funeral. Her death sparked national debate about medical transparency and elective procedures abroad.
From Villa to Daura,
From Daura to Kaduna,
From Kaduna to London,
From London to Al Jannah, Insha Allah.
Farewell Legend, Baba Muhammadu Buhari.❤️ pic.twitter.com/lBNT1oIsFp
— I Z A L A (@el_uthmaan) July 15, 2025
Tradition and Symbolism: Why Leaders Are Buried Back Home
In Nigerian culture, returning the dead to their ancestral soil is not just a matter of custom — it reflects identity, honour, and spiritual completeness. Even in death, political figures are expected to “come home,” with state burials often involving tributes from federal officials, military guards of honour, and religious rites.
The Irony of Foreign Deaths and National Pride
That so many of Nigeria’s leaders die abroad yet are buried with national honours at home points to a bitter contradiction. While their last breaths are taken in foreign private hospitals, often beyond the reach of everyday Nigerians, their final tributes unfold in the very nation whose healthcare systems they avoided.
The remains of Former President, Muhammad Buhari arrives Katsina from London. pic.twitter.com/LxlyWSxUYI
— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) July 15, 2025
From Buhari to Akunyili, these return journeys home are steeped in ceremony and symbolism — but they also serve as a reminder. Until Nigerian leaders trust and invest in the institutions they oversee, these foreign deaths followed by national burials will remain a painful reflection of leadership disconnect.