Nigeria's former President Muhammadu Buhari died in London on Sunday, July 13, following an illness.

Buhari first led Nigeria as a military ruler after a coup in the 1980s.

Activities before Buhari's burial

The Katsina-born public figure later rebranded himself as a "converted democrat" and, with the help of Bola Tinubu, the current president of Nigeria, defeated President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. He led Nigeria for a two-term tenure of eight years.

In this report, Legit.ng looks at five actions President Tinubu has taken to honour his deceased ally.

1) Lowering flags amid Buhari's death

President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for Buhari.

Flying a flag at half-staff, or half-mast, is a symbolic gesture of mourning, respect, or distress, often following the death of a prominent figure or during national tragedies.

Presidential Villa this morning. Flags at half mast. Nation in mourning. Rest in Power Baba Buhari pic.twitter.com/84uPu4xUP3

— Daddy D.O🇳🇬 (@DOlusegun) July 14, 2025

The flag is lowered to a position below the top of the flagpole, leaving space above it, which some believe represents an “invisible flag of death”.

2) Shettima to accompany Buhari's body

President Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to London to convey his remains back home to Nigeria. Already, Shettima, along with Femi Gbajabiamila, the chief of staff (CoS) to the president, has arrived in London.

3) Emergency FEC meeting over Buhari

President Tinubu has summoned an emergency session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) scheduled in honour of late Buhari.

The FEC meeting is Nigeria's top cabinet decision-making body.

4) State funeral for Buhari

President Tinubu and other ex-leaders will gather in Daura, Katsina state, for Buhari's burial later today, Monday, July 14.

A state funeral is organised to honour individuals of national significance, typically political leaders, monarchs, or other figures deemed to have served their country in an exceptional way. It is believed that the Tinubu administration will put together one for Buhari.

5) Condolences to Katsina stakeholders

Tinubu has condoled with the family of late Buhari, the government, and the people of Katsina state over Buhari's death.

Tinubu said his friend died a great man, adding that God showed the deceased kindness.