Joseph Wayas, a former Senate President of Nigeria, died in a London hospital on November 30, 2021, at the age of 80.
After his death, there was uncertainty about where his body was kept, leading to speculation that he might have been buried secretly in London. However, after two years and nine months, his remains finally arrived in Nigeria for burial.
The body was brought back to Nigeria because many people, including family members and politicians from Cross River North, wanted him to be buried in his home country.
The former Senate President’s body was received at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja early in the morning by his family, friends, and prominent figures from his senatorial district.
From the airport, the body was taken directly to the National Hospital in Abuja. This decision was supported by Senator Jarigbe Agom and Peter Akpanke, who are political representatives from his region. They expressed relief and happiness that his remains had finally returned home.
The delay in bringing his body back to Nigeria was due to alleged logistical and bureaucratic challenges, but now his family and the community are preparing for his burial.
Wayas’ wife had passed away shortly after him, and she was buried earlier, but the return of his body marks the closure of a long-awaited process for his loved ones and supporters.
Late Joseph Wayas served as Nigeria’s Senate President from 1979 to 1983.