In an interview with Arise Television on Tuesday, Onaiyekan reflected on Buhari’s final message before his passing, noting that it showed unusual self-awareness and a willingness to admit that, despite acting in what he believed were the nation’s best interests, his actions may have caused pain to some.
“It is truly impressive that, at his age and with all he had done, he could openly ask those he might have hurt to forgive him,” Onaiyekan said.
The respected cleric explained that such an admission, coming from a man who once ruled as a military Head of State and later served two terms as a democratically elected President, was uncommon and worthy of recognition.
He observed that Buhari’s parting words did not specify whether the harm caused was intentional or unintentional, but stressed that the sincerity of seeking forgiveness mattered more than the details.
“We can assume he knows he hurt many people, but whether it was deliberate or not is another matter. As a head of state, you inevitably step on toes—sometimes you must. But it was wise of him to say, ‘Let Nigerians forgive me,’” Onaiyekan remarked.
He added that Buhari’s gesture likely reflected his faith and his effort to make peace with God:
“I see it from the perspective of his religion. He knew it was time to start putting his house in order before the Almighty.”
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