Buhari was a titan, rare patriot, says Afe Babalola

Elder statesman and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), has expressed grief over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as deeply emotional and painful given the values he represented.

Babalola stated that with Buhari’s passing, “Nigeria has lost one of its most illustrious sons, a patriot of the rarest breed, a soldier of Spartan discipline, and a statesman of remarkable moral conviction.”

The renowned legal expert, in a tribute titled “Major General Muhammadu Buhari: The Exit of a Titan,” released on Tuesday, remarked that the former president’s life—both as a military ruler and two-term elected leader—“was a long journey of service, sacrifice, and unwavering fidelity to the Nigerian project.”

Babalola said that during his tenure as military head of state, Buhari “confronted head-on the culture of lawlessness and indiscipline that had begun to eat deep into the fabric of our national life.”

He noted, “One of his most notable and enduring legacies from that era was the introduction of the War Against Indiscipline, a nationwide campaign aimed at instilling civic responsibility, orderliness, punctuality, and respect for public property and institutions in the psyche of the populace.”

According to him, “As a civilian president from 2015 to 2023, the late President Buhari once again answered the call of duty.”

He added that Buhari led the country through harsh economic conditions and insecurity with his usual calm and resilience.

“His administration placed priority on infrastructural renewal, anti-corruption, food security and the rejuvenation of Nigeria’s global diplomatic profile.”

“In all of this, he maintained his simplicity and incorruptibility, a rare hallmark in the corridors of power.”

Babalola also reflected on Buhari’s demeanour during his legal challenge of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s victory in the 2003 elections, stating, “His conduct throughout the trial was rather impressive.”

He recalled, “What struck me most was his personal conduct throughout the proceedings. He was always the first person to arrive in court and the last to depart, not out of obligation or ceremony, but as a clear reflection of his sincere commitment to the rule of law and due process.”

“At the end of each day’s proceedings, he would leave his seat to shake hands with me, not minding that I was representing the other party in the case before the tribunal. He was a respecter of the rule of law and lawyers generally.”

He described Buhari’s actions as unexpectedly inspiring: “That kind of devotion, displayed by a former military head of state submitting himself to judicial scrutiny with patience and dignity, was not only unexpected but profoundly inspiring.”

“It underscored his unwavering belief that democracy must be anchored in justice, and that leadership must be accountable—even at the highest level,” he said.

Afe Babalola stated that while Buhari may not have been without faults, his honesty and clear intentions were apparent.

“President Buhari was not perfect, no leader is, but what stood out was the clarity of his intentions and the sincerity of his convictions.”

“He was a nationalist in word and deed, whose life was lived in steadfast commitment to the unity, security, and moral compass of our great nation,” the ABUAD chancellor said.

Babalola offered his condolences to Buhari’s wife, children, and the entire family, and prayed for divine comfort and strength for them.

“To the government and good people of Katsina State, especially the Daura Emirate, I commiserate with you on the loss of your illustrious son,” he stated.