President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africans and the global Christian body, particularly Anglican Communion, over the passing of Archbishop Emeritus, Desmond Tutu, 90, on Sunday, December 26, 2021.
Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, said Buhari believed the death of the iconic teacher, human rights activist, leader of thought, scholar and philanthropist, has further created a void in a world in dire need of wisdom, integrity, courage and sound reasoning, which were qualities that the Nobel Peace Prize Winner, 1984, typified and exemplified in words and actions.
“As a South African, global citizen and renowned world leader, the President affirms that the historic role Archbishop Tutu played in the fight against apartheid, enduring physical assaults, jail terms and prolonged exile, took him beyond the pulpit to global, political relevance, and his position, under President Nelson Mandela, in heading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission provided healing and direction for his country and the world.
“President Buhari commiserates with Leah Tutu, the spouse of the spiritual leader and lifelong partner in the struggle against injustice, corruption and inequality, the Tutu family, board and staff of Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Elders and Nobel Laureate Group, urging solace that the voice of the scholar and teacher, his published works, and inspirational quotes will resonate through generations, bringing more light and clarity to religious diversity, democracy and good governance.
“The President prays for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Tutu, whose life and times sent an unforgettable message on love and forgiveness,” Adesina said.
Also, Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has expressed grief over the death of Tutu.
Governor Abiodun in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, said he was shocked by the death of the anti-apartheid hero who stood stoutly against the imperialism and segregation.
He further eulogised him for being a loud voice against suppression of black South Africans throughout the apartheid era in his country.
Abiodun, who praised the former Anglican Archbishop for giving support and playing a pivotal role in ensuring South Africa regained self-rule, said the black nation will miss him, especially, his altruistic disposition and wise counsel.
“Desmond Tutu’s legacy is moral strength, moral courage and clarity. He felt with the people. In public and alone, he cried because he felt people’s pain. And he laughed – no, not just laughed, he cackled with delight when he shared their joy.
“Though he was a South African, he defended the cause of Africa and blacks in the diaspora. He preached peace; lived peace and shared the words of peace. Even, when apartheid was raging in his country of birth, late Tutu urged his countrymen and other fighters against white imperialism, to use peace as a vehicle to champion their cause.
“In fact, his stance against xenophobia in his country cannot be forgotten. He will not only be missed by South Africa, but the whole of Africa.
“Rest well, icon of anti-apartheid and defender of the black nation,” Abiodun was quoted to have said in the statement.