Former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina, has debunked rumours that the former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, had divorced her husband before his death.

Adesina, who served under Buhari’s administration from 2015 to 2023, revealed that Aisha was present in Kaduna as recently as March 2025, during the president’s last stay at his northern residence before he departed for London on his final medical trip.

In a heartfelt tribute published following the former president’s demise, Adesina recounted visiting Buhari during Ramadan in March, noting that the First Lady was very much by his side at the time.

“It was Ramadan, and I joined him for dinner. The former First Lady, Aisha, was around and offered me some roasted meat (suya),” Adesina wrote.

According to him, the former president left for London about two weeks after that visit and never returned alive.

“Less than two weeks later, he travelled to London for what was said to be a routine medical trip. It lasted almost four months, and he never returned, at least not alive,” he added.

Kperogi Controversial Claim

Naijaonpoint reports that Adesina’s clarification comes in the wake of controversial claims by U.S.-based academic and media scholar, Professor Farooq Kperogi, who alleged that Aisha Buhari had separated from her husband and reverted to her maiden name, Halilu, before his passing.

In a widely circulated statement, Kperogi claimed the former First Lady refused to travel to London to care for Buhari during his illness because “she was no longer his wife.”

“Buhari was also alone when he later relocated to Kaduna. In fact, when he fell ill and it was suggested that Aisha travel to London to care for him, she reportedly hesitated because she was no longer his wife,” Kperogi alleged.

Naijaonpoint reports that rumours about the status of Buhari’s marriage gradually gained traction on social media following Aisha Buhari’s noticeable absence in several public narratives and her reduced use of the name ‘Buhari’ in some official communications.

However, Adesina’s detailed account appears to counter the narrative of estrangement, placing Aisha at Buhari’s side shortly before his health deteriorated.

Recall that former President Muhammadu Buhari died in London in June 2025 following a prolonged medical trip. His passing was met with mixed reactions across the country, with tributes and criticisms reflecting his contentious legacy.

While the presidency confirmed his death, details surrounding his final moments have remained sparse, further fuelling speculations and unverified reports.

With Adesina’s fresh account, attention now turns to the authenticity of claims regarding the former First Lady’s relationship with the late president in his final days.

It is worth noting that neither Aisha Buhari nor the Buhari family has officially responded to the divorce rumours as of press time.