Death is inevitable, and its dose shall be felt by all mortals irrespective of status or class in life. Culling his famous quote, German-language author, Franz Kafka said: “The meaning of life is that it stops.”
A few weeks ago, the passing of four great Nigerians that flashed simultaneously via various news platforms hit Nigerians like a thunderbolt.
But before one could say Jack, tributes were already pouring in from far and near, just as sympathisers, friends, and associates within and outside Nigeria were already trooping out to pay their last respect
From Daura to Kano, Saudi Arabia, Ijebu Ode, and Lagos, there were sea of heads trooping in and out of the deceased’s residents, just as their deaths temporarily halted government’s activities at all levels.
Though they chose different paths in life, the fact of their greatness, how they impacted the rest of us, and death has distinguished them from the rest of us.
As I write this piece, condolence messages and tributes by both commoners and the rich in memory of these great sons of the land are yet to wane.
The uniqueness of their personalities, their contributions for many would be remembered in a long time to come, not only that, it would be archived for posterity whenever the history of service to fatherland is told.
Of particular reference was the fact that as the news of the passing of the former Head of state and immediate president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR was still rumbling through the length and breadth of Nigeria, then came the announcement of the death of Ijebu-Ode monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, same day.
On the other hand, while the news of the passing of business giant, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a mentor and uncle to the foremost business mogul and African richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, sent the city of Kano and the North in general into mourning and yet to simmer, the death of ace goalkeeper fondly called “Dodo Mayana ” by his admirers home and abroad apparently closed glorious chapters earned through hard work and utmost dedication for the quartet.
For Buhari, a soldier, patriot, civil war veteran, and two times ruler, the nation comes first and act of discipline, must be a way of life.
The Daura-born General, alongside his no-nonsense Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters, late General Tunde Idiagbon’s era would go down in history as a period when Nigerians imbibed discipline as a way of life; a clear departure from how things used to be years earlier.
Until his death, Buhari, regarded as a very disciplined and principled military General, served the nation through trials and tests, coloured with strength, weakness, steadfastness and dedication, but in all, he stood tall.
I recall with nostalgia when Buhari, the then General Officer Commanding (GOC), was saddled with a huge responsibility of protecting the nation’s territorial integrity that was being threatened by alien invaders cum terrorists.
Though the rest as they has become history the tooth-gapped General pursued the terrorists called the “Maitatsine” slightly beyond the territory of Nigeria by kilometres to Chad Republic. That brought an end to the notorious Maitatsine reign and for countrymen, the late Buhari exhibited sheer patriotism by his action.
While extolling the late president’s virtues, one of his associates and popular Lagos pastor, Kunle Bakare, urged the federal government to preserve his legacy for an equitable and just nation.
Bakare, the Presiding Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC) and a former presidential running mate to Buhari, while eulogising his lives said his dream for a better Nigeria was peerless and that it resonated in his integrity and forthrightness to the nation’s development.
His progressives stance many also believed could be deployed as a social mobilisation template that, when internalised, can change the nation’s social-economic sphere to advance development.
Renowned for his legacy of philanthropism, Dantata, a man with a heart of gold, would be sorely missed by the people of Kano and the North in general.
The late titan of commerce with unequal entrepreneurial spirit no doubt inspired new generations before his glorious exit at ripe age.
No wonder President Bola Tinubu, during a heart-felt condolence visit, described the late industrialist and elder statesman as a beacon of integrity, humility, who rendered selfless service to humanity.
Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who died at the age of 94 on June 28, 2025, in Dubai, was eventually buried in Madina, Saudi Arabia, on July 1, 2025, based on instructions handed down to families.
Awujale’s exemplary leadership acumen buoyed in uncommon royalty splendour and wisdom also came to the fore after his passing.
A symbol of tradition and cultural pride, the late Awujale, who exuded royalty, redefined monarchical system in his lifetime, a feat that spanned decades.
During his condolence visit to Ijebu land, President Tinubu, in a glowing tribute, described the late monarch as an exemplary traditional ruler who brought great honour, dignity and pride to the Yoruba race across the globe.
The president recounted the contributions and support of the late charismatic Awujale in his bid to become president in 2023. He submitted that Yoruba’s rich history would have been incomplete if he (Tinubu) failed to win the election.
The late monarch was a courageous democrat and dependable ally who stood to be counted and supported the efforts to reverse the annulment of the results of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, believed to have been won by the late MKO Abiola, was how Tinubu poured encomiums on the late Oba Adetona.
For Rufai, a sport legend and hero, who gave his all to the round leather game, Dodo Mayana, on its part, bequeathed a legacy that will forever cast in gold in the heart of millions of fans, football-loving Nigerians and supporters-alike.
At a time his wealth of experience was needed, the goalkeeper trainer’s death has in all honesty thrown the Nigeria’s football community into mourning.
The vacuum that Rufai’s absence would create resonated in a tribute rendered by the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Mohammed Sanusi, who tagged his death “shocking”.
Rufai all through his sojourn was reliable and committed player for the Super Eagles from 1990 to 1998, when he featured in the 1990 Algeria African Nations Cup, 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunis, 1994 World Cup and 1998 World Cup in France.
In a tribute, Rangers International hailed the goalkeeping icon’s contribution to Nigerian football. His impact on Nigerian football for many others is immeasurable, and legacy left behind would no doubt be part of the story we tell young talents forever.
With the passing of these great Nigerians and torrents of tributes that followed, it would not be out of place to say that indeed they would be sorely missed.
As i draw the curtain in this piece, my own tribute for the late personalities would simply be; “Fare thee well great Nigerians, your deeds would continue to resonate from generation to generations”