It has become all too common for Nigeria’s top leaders to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment, and, tragically, to pass away there. From former presidents to traditional rulers, these leaders spent their final days in British hospitals rather than at home. 

Their deaths in UK hospitals show how much we must do by training more specialist doctors, buying modern equipment, keeping medicines in stock, and making patient care a top priority. Improving our health services must be a priority, so that everyone can receive quality care at home without having to travel abroad.

1. Muhammadu Buhari (Age 82)

Buhari first led Nigeria as a military ruler from 1983 to 1985, and later served two terms as the elected president from 2015 to 2023. He went to a London clinic for treatment but died there after a long illness.

2. Sheikh Isyaku Rabiu (Age 93)

A wealthy businessman and generous donor in Kano State, Sheikh Rabiu was also a leader in the Tijjaniyya branch of Islam. He spent decades funding schools and hospitals. After a long illness, he died in a London hospital, leaving behind a family that still supports many charities.

3. Alex Ekwueme (Age 85)

Ekwueme was Nigeria’s first elected vice president under President Shehu Shagari (1979–1983). He fought for Nigeria to become 36 states and worked hard for democracy. He travelled to London for medical help and passed away there.

4. Oluyemi Adeniji (Age 83)

Adeniji was a top diplomat who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Obasanjo. He represented Nigeria at the United Nations and led several peace missions in Africa. He fell ill during a visit to London and died in a hospital there.

5. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Age 78)

Ojukwu led the breakaway state of Biafra during Nigeria’s civil war. He spent his final days at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, England, and died there in 2011. His death marked the end of a deeply emotional chapter in Nigeria’s history.

6. Oba Okunade Sijuwade (Age 85)

The Ooni of Ife was a senior traditional ruler among the Yoruba. Known for his efforts to bring people together, he went to a clinic on Devonshire Place in London for treatment and died in 2015.

7. Ado Bayero (Age 83)

Bayero was the Emir of Kano for over 50 years, a time marked by stability and charity work. He went to a London hospital for care, then returned to Nigeria but passed away soon afterwards, showing how fragile even our oldest institutions can be.

8. Ifeanyi Ubah (Age 53)

A successful businessman turned senator for Anambra South, Ubah built shipping, oil, and hotel companies. He flew to London for medical treatment and died there unexpectedly at a relatively young age.

9. Clement Nyong Isong (Age 78)

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (1977–1982) and later governor of Cross River State, Isong, went to London for specialist care late in life. He died in a London hospital in 2000, after a short illness.