President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran following the tragic passing of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. The statement, conveyed by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, expressed grief over the loss of Raisi, whom Tinubu described as a committed leader dedicated to Iran's development.
Tinubu extended sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the continuous peace, stability, and prosperity of the Iranian nation. He also assured Iran of Nigeria's support and prayers during this difficult time.
Raisi, along with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and several other officials, died in the helicopter crash. The crash occurred in a mountainous and forested area of the country. Raisi, aged 63, represented conservative and hardline factions in Iranian politics and had served as president for nearly three years.
Following Raisi's death, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declared five days of public mourning and appointed Mohammad Mokhber as interim head of the country's executive branch. Iran now has a maximum of 50 days before a presidential election must be held to choose Raisi's successor.
In addition to Raisi and Amirabdollahian, those who lost their lives in the crash include Malik Rahmati, governor of Iran's East Azerbaijan Province; Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Al-Hashem, representative of the Iranian supreme leader to East Azerbaijan; Sardar Seyed Mehdi Mousavi, head of Raisi's guard team; and the helicopter's crew members.
