Several influential Nigerian politicians and public figures died throughout 2025, leaving significant voids in the nation’s political landscape.
The year saw the passing of leaders spanning different regions and political backgrounds, from federal lawmakers to elder statesmen and former heads of state.
House of Representatives Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga
Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga became the first major political figure to die in 2025, passing away on January 15 after a brief illness at age 60. The lawmaker represented Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency in Ogun State and held the position of Deputy Chief Whip in the 10th Assembly following his re-election in 2023.
Afenifere Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo
Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a prominent nationalist and leader of Afenifere, the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, died peacefully at his Lagos residence on February 14 at age 96. The elder statesman was laid to rest on May 3 in his hometown of Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark
Elder statesman Edwin Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information and prominent Ijaw leader, died on February 17 at age 98. He experienced breathing difficulties the previous evening and was taken to a private hospital in Abuja, where he passed away. His death surprised many, as he had appeared healthy at recent public events. He was buried on May 13 in Kiagbodo town, Delta State.
Dr. Doyin Okupe
Media strategist and politician Dr. Doyin Okupe died on March 7 in Lagos at age 72 following a prolonged illness. He previously served as presidential spokesperson under Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and was Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign. His burial took place on March 28 in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State.
Former Kwara State Governor, Cornelius Adebayo
Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, who served as Kwara State governor during the Second Republic and later as Minister of Communications and Transportation under President Obasanjo from 2003 to 2006, died on June 25 at age 84. He was buried in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari
Nigeria’s immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari, died in a London hospital on July 13 at age 82 after a brief illness. He was buried two days later in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, with numerous current and former heads of state from Nigeria and abroad attending the funeral.
Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo
Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, collapsed and died while working in his office on December 11. Governor Douye Diri ordered an autopsy to determine the medical cause of death and declared three days of state mourning with flags at half-mast.
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