Gone Too Soon: High-Profile Nigerian Leaders And Stars Who Died In 2025

Several prominent Nigerian politicians who welcomed 2025 with hope tragically passed away within the year. While some deaths occurred early in the year, others joined their ancestors toward the year’s end. Here is a look at seven top politicians whose deaths shook the nation in 2025:....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

House of Reps’ Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga
The first notable loss of 2025 was Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, Deputy Chief Whip in the House of Representatives. Representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency in Ogun State, Onanuga passed away on January 15, 2025, after a brief illness at the age of 60. He had been re-elected in 2023 and appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly.

Afenifere Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo
Barely two months into 2025, the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural leader and nationalist, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, died peacefully at his Lekki residence in Lagos State on February 14, aged 96. Amid tears, he was laid to rest on May 3, 2025, in his hometown, Isanya Ogbo near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark
On February 17, 2025, former Federal Commissioner for Information, Edwin Clark, passed away at the age of 98 following a brief illness at a private hospital in Abuja. The Ijaw leader’s death came as a shock to many, as he had appeared at public events without visible signs of ill-health. Clark was moved to the hospital after experiencing difficulty breathing on the night of February 16 and was later buried on May 13 in Kiagbodo town, Delta State.

Doyin Okupe
Veteran politician and media strategist, Doyin Okupe, died on March 7, 2025, at 72 years old in Lagos following a prolonged illness. Okupe, who served as spokesperson to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign, was laid to rest on March 28, 2025, in his hometown, Iperu-Remo, Ogun State.

Former Governor of Kwara State, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo
Adebayo, a former senator and ex-governor of Kwara State during the Second Republic, died on June 25, 2025, at the age of 84. He also served as Minister of Communications and Transportation under President Olusegun Obasanjo from 2003 to 2006. He was buried in his hometown in Isin Local Government Area, Kwara State.

Former President, Muhammadu Buhari
Immediate past Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari passed away in London, United Kingdom, on July 13, 2025, aged 82, after a brief illness. He was interred in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, on July 15, 2025, in a ceremony attended by numerous local and international leaders, including presidents and former heads of state.

Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo
Bayelsa State’s Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, died on December 11, 2025, after collapsing while at work in his office. Governor Douye Diri ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death and declared a three-day state mourning, directing all flags be flown at half-mast.