Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has penned a heartfelt tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as “the last of the three great Mahdis” in Northern Nigeria’s history.
Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in London, after battling an undisclosed illness. His death has sparked a wave of reactions from political figures, with Fani-Kayode’s message standing out for its historical and spiritual tone.
“The Last of the Three Great Mahdis”
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Fani-Kayode likened Buhari’s legacy to that of two other iconic northern leaders:
“With yesterday’s tragic passing, it is clear that the last of the three great Mahdis and most formidable warriors and messianic leaders of Northern Nigeria has finally fallen.
The first was Sheik Usman Dan Fodio, who founded and established the Sokoto Caliphate.
The second was Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Premier of the old Northern Region and Sardauna of Sokoto.
The third was General Muhammadu Buhari, the immediate past President of Nigeria and the man commonly referred to by the Northern masses as ‘Mai Gaskiya’.”
Fani-Kayode added that the trio were revered not only for their leadership but also for their unflinching commitment to faith, justice, and the protection of their people.
“These were men who would do anything in defence of their faith and who risked all in their fight against injustice and evil,” he wrote.
“Who Will Take Buhari’s Place?”
The former minister concluded his tribute with a rhetorical question reflecting uncertainty about the future of Northern political leadership:
“Who will now take Buhari’s place in the hearts and minds of the Northern masses?”
Buhari served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. His legacy remains complex, with supporters praising his anti-corruption stance and critics citing his controversial human rights record.
His funeral is scheduled to take place in Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites.
