February 13, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has described the late former Head of State, Murtala Ramat Mohammed, as an icon of democracy whose legacy of courage, selfless service and Pan-Africanism continues to shape Nigeria’s political values and Africa’s liberation ideals.
The President spoke at the 50th Murtala Mohammed International Lecture and Leadership Conference held in Lagos to mark five decades since the assassination of the former military leader on February 13, 1976.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu said the late military ruler possessed “democratic blood in his veins,” noting that despite his short time in office, he laid a clear and principled roadmap for Nigeria’s return to presidential democracy.
He said Murtala’s courage and decisiveness left a lasting imprint on the country’s democratic evolution.
“He was not just a Nigerian; he was a man who loved his country deeply and served it with uncommon bravery,” the President said.
He added that the late Head of State confronted corruption head-on and placed national interest above personal considerations.
Tinubu noted that the anti-corruption values championed by Murtala remain relevant today.
He further highlighted the late leader’s commitment to Africa’s emancipation, recalling Nigeria’s frontline role in liberation struggles across the continent during his tenure.
According to him, the country committed enormous resources to dismantling colonial rule and apartheid, supporting liberation movements in Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Guinea-Bissau and South Africa.
Also speaking, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Murtala Mohammed Foundation, said one of the enduring legacies of the late general was his belief in grooming successors and ensuring continuity in leadership.
Obasanjo noted that Murtala’s leadership philosophy influenced his own commitment to democratic governance and orderly transition of power.
In his remarks, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said the “Africa Come of Age” vision championed by Murtala was gradually becoming a reality, as African nations move from import-dependent economies to export-oriented growth, driven by initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Former President of Malawi, Joyce Banda, also paid tribute to the late Nigerian leader, describing him as a distinguished son of Africa whose life exemplified selfless service and sacrifice.
She said his Pan-African ideals played a key role in the liberation of several African countries.
The lecture attracted political leaders, scholars and policymakers from across Africa, who reflected on Murtala Mohammed’s enduring ideals of courage, service and unity—values that continue to resonate 50 years after his death.
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