ECOWAS Chair Julius Bio Condoles Tinubu, Nigerians Over Buhari’s Death

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, who also serves as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian people, and the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

LEADERSHIP reports that Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, died on Sunday at a hospital in London at the age of 82.

In a statement issued from Freetown on Monday, President Bio described Buhari as a formidable statesman whose dedication to Nigeria and the West African region would be remembered for generations.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, who departed this life on Sunday, July 13, 2025,” the statement read.

Bio praised Buhari’s leadership during his tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, noting his strong commitment to regional peace, stability, and economic integration.

“His courageous commitment to the advancement of regional peace, stability, and economic integration was a hallmark of his stewardship,” he said.

He expressed the full solidarity of Sierra Leone with Nigeria during the period of national mourning.

“We join all West Africans and the global community in mourning the loss of a true patriot,” Bio said.