Rotimi Amaechi, who previously served as the minister of transportation, attended the funeral of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina state, wearing a turban.
Buhari, the former president and head of state, passed away on July 13. His burial took place in his hometown, Daura, amidst national mourning.
Amaechi wore the cultural headgear to the ceremony held in honour of the late leader.
Earlier on Tuesday morning, Buhari’s remains were transported from London to Nigeria aboard the presidential jet.
Why Is Amaechi Wearing A Turban?
Amaechi received the title of Dan Amanar of Daura — which translates to “trusted son of Daura” — on February 5, 2022, as an acknowledgment of his contributions to the transport sector.
At that time, Silas Zwingina, a former deputy majority leader in the Senate, dismissed suggestions that the turbaning had political undertones, instead calling it a cultural show of gratitude by the Daura Emirate.
Zwingina stated that the Daura Emirate traditionally honours those who have made significant contributions to the development of the area.
He said it was unrelated to politics and urged people not to attach unnecessary meanings to the gesture, noting that Amaechi’s completed projects in Daura and across Nigeria stood on their own.
Amaechi’s turban has previously stirred controversy. In 2022, Musa Saidu, a leader of Arewa in the south, asked him to refrain from using the turban during political campaigns.
Saidu said the turban carries strong Islamic significance and should not be used as a political symbol.
