The National Assembly has suspended all legislative activities in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in London at the age of 82.
In a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, it was announced that both the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives had directed the suspension of all plenary sessions and related legislative duties until Tuesday, July 22.
According to the statement, the suspension is intended to pay tribute to Buhari’s legacy of integrity and dedicated service to the nation. Lawmakers have been encouraged to adjust their schedules in order to participate in the funeral rites of the late former president.
The leadership of the National Assembly extended condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians mourning the loss.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, paid tribute to both Buhari and the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, describing the two as steadfast champions of national unity and moral leadership.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, Bamidele reflected on the coinciding deaths of Buhari (82) and Oba Adetona (91), who both passed away on July 13, calling their loss significant to Nigeria’s political and traditional institutions.
He commended Buhari for his lifelong dedication to public service and justice, stating that the former president’s legacy spans from his leadership as Military Head of State (1984–1985) to his time as a democratically elected president (2015–2023). Bamidele also acknowledged Buhari’s role in restructuring Nigeria’s political landscape by helping to form the All Progressives Congress (APC), which achieved victory in the 2015 general elections.
The senator offered condolences on behalf of the Senate and the South-West caucus to former First Lady Aisha Buhari, the Buhari family, the Daura Emirate, the Katsina State government, and President Tinubu.
Turning to Oba Adetona, Bamidele praised his 65-year reign (1960–2025) as one defined by inclusive governance, peace-building, and selfless leadership.
He emphasized the monarch’s apolitical stance and his influence in fostering unity across Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic groups.
He further extended condolences to the Anikilaya Ruling House, the people of Ijebuland, and the Ogun State government, recognizing the late monarch’s contributions to national development.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives also expressed its sorrow over Buhari’s passing, calling him “a towering figure in Nigeria’s history”.
In a statement signed by House spokesman Akin Rotimi, the lawmakers emphasized Buhari’s rare status as both a former military and civilian leader, stating: “His passing marks the end of an era defined by discipline, national service, and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s democratic development.”
