When Nigeria bid farewell to a former dictator and historic president and the king who preserved the Yoruba legacy on the same day

On July 13, Nigeria bid farewell to two figures who have shaped its contemporary history from very different perspectives. Former President Muhammadu Buhari , who led Nigeria from 1983 to 1985 after a coup d'état and then returned as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, died last Sunday at the age of 82 in London. That same day, at the age of 91, one of Africa's longest-reigning monarchs died: Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona , awujale of the Ijebu Kingdom, the ancient Yoruba kingdom located in the territory that now lies in Nigeria. This coincidence marks the end of two very different forms of leadership in the country's history.

In the same week in which tributes have multiplied across all platforms—social media, television, radio, the internet, and print media—Nigeria has reflected not only on the achievements of both figures, but also on the legacy they leave behind in a country still grappling with delicate issues of identity, unity, and leadership, fragmented between the Muslim-majority north and the Christian-majority south. For Professor Mahfouz Adedimeji , public affairs analyst, academic, and vice-chancellor of Ahman Pategi University, “both leave an indelible legacy.” “Just as Buhari shaped Nigeria's political structure, the awujale shaped its cultural identity.”

Muhammadu Buhari, born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, in the north of the country, emerged as a dominant force in Nigerian political life more than four decades ago. In 1983, he became head of state after a military coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. He cited corruption and mismanagement and ruled until 1985, when he was overthrown by another military uprising. During his term, he introduced strict national policies, such as the so-called "War on Indiscipline," a long-remembered campaign in the country that sought to restore civic order and combat economic decline in Nigeria, imposing measures ranging from mandatory queuing in public places to punishments for corrupt officials. The legislation, which included prison sentences and fines among its sanctions, was highly controversial and sparked a debate about the limits of individual freedom and state power. During this brief period, Buhari has been accused of human rights violations and imprisoning opponents.

Three decades later, after being defeated in three presidential elections, Buhari returned as a democratically elected civilian president in 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC) party, defeating Goodluck Ebele Jonathan of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), whose party had governed Nigeria uninterruptedly since the restoration of democracy in 1999. His re-election in 2019 confirmed his political prowess and broad appeal, particularly in northern Nigeria, where he harshly pursued Boko Haram.

Promise Eze, a Nigerian writer and journalist, believes Buhari will be remembered differently depending on who you ask. For some, he was a hero determined to restore Nigeria's glory, "launching numerous projects and building excellent infrastructure for national development." "For others, especially in the south," Eze clarifies, "he was a dictator who silenced dissent and crushed protests. His term was marred by mismanagement and corruption under his nose."

Sodiq Akinola, a law graduate, is one of those who value his role. His contributions "are evident" in the numerous infrastructure projects and advancements that were implemented during his tenure, he asserts.

As a civilian president, Buhari prioritized anti-corruption campaigns, infrastructure development, and social intervention programs, such as the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to centralize government revenues. He also launched the N-Power plan to address youth unemployment and expanded infrastructure with new roads, railways, and international airport terminals in cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano.

However, his presidency was far from flawless. During his tenure, Nigeria faced three economic recessions , high inflation, worsening unemployment , and rising insecurity. Terrorism , banditry , and kidnappings spread to previously safe areas, particularly the northwest. His handling of the 2020 EndSARS protests —which demanded the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit criticized for its procedures—sparked national and international condemnation , especially after security forces responded with force and weapons at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos. Buhari is also remembered for banning Twitter in Nigeria in 2021 after the company deleted a tweet of his in which he issued a disturbing condemnation to the perpetrators of attacks on electoral commission headquarters in the southeast of the country: “We will treat them in the language they understand,” Buhari said.

Habiba Sanni, a law student, believes Buhari's death brings reflection for future political leaders. "Many will be forced to ask themselves: Will my tenure bring relief or regret to the people I serve? In that sense, Buhari's death could quietly reshape the standards by which Nigerians measure leadership in the future," she added.

Professor Mahfouz Adedimeji offers a more measured assessment. “Despite his flaws, Buhari left behind a vast legacy: dozens of higher education institutions, food programs, social investment programs, and major infrastructure projects. His personal character, integrity, and discipline are worthy of mention in politics,” he argues. Adedimeji also highlights Buhari’s commitment to the democratic transition. “Despite not actively supporting the coming to power of [current] President Bola Tinubu , he did not subvert the electoral process. His philosophy of ‘belonging to no one and belonging to all’ deserves recognition,” he maintains.

The royal legacy of the Reformation and the Cultural Renaissance

While Muhammadu Buhari shaped Nigeria's political structure, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Awujale of the Ijebu Kingdom, spent more than six decades redefining what it meant to be a traditional ruler in modern times. Born in 1934 and crowned in April 1960, just before Nigeria's independence, he was bold, reformist, and deeply committed to the well-being and identity of his people. His voice as monarch became a moral compass in national debates.

His most iconic legacy remains the Ojude Oba Festival , a stunning Yoruba celebration where tradition, unity, culture, and fashion converge each year in Ijebu Ode. The festival attracts diaspora communities, government ministers, celebrities, and tourists from around the world. It has become a vehicle for cultural diplomacy and economic tourism, drawing attention to Yoruba heritage on a global scale. Beginning as a small gathering of Muslim converts paying homage after Eid, it now brings together people of all faiths, ages, and backgrounds in a powerful symbol of cultural harmony. Although the festival has existed for over a century, it was during the reign of the awujale that it became a global celebration of Ijebu pride and Nigerian diversity.

Professor Adedimeji describes the Awujale as a monarch who brought class and elegance to the institution of kingship. “He was never tainted by corruption, even under military rule. His role in the preservation and evolution of Yoruba culture will never be forgotten.” He also fought for the religious rights of traditional rulers. His advocacy contributed to the passage of a law allowing monarchs to choose funeral rites in accordance with their religious beliefs, a significant milestone for religious freedom in Nigeria.

“He was Nigeria's most visionary monarch,” Akinola believes. He adds, “His reign gave dignity to the Yoruba people and created global pride in our traditions.”

Mohammed Adeyemi, youth leader and founder of the Sokoto University Scholars Forum, believes the death of Buhari and the Yoruba monarch should mark a turning point in the country's direction. "As the older, often more conservative generation leaves the stage, young people must combine the wisdom of the past with the demands of the present. While embracing modern technology and values, they must also uphold the unity, cultural heritage, and traditions that define us as Africans," he says.