Many well-known politicians and public figures who started the year alive and active did not make it to the end. Some died early in the year, while others passed away close to December.
Their deaths shocked the country and made Nigerians reflect on leadership, service, and legacy.
Here are the top Nigerian politicians and public figures who died in 2025:
Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga (House of Reps Deputy Chief Whip)
One of the earliest major political losses of the year was Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives. She represented Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency in Ogun State and died on January 15, 2025, after a brief illness. She was a key figure in the 10th Assembly leadership structure.
Chief Ayo Adebanjo (Afenifere Leader)
On February 14, 2025, respected elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, died at his residence in Lekki, Lagos. Widely regarded as a nationalist voice in Nigeria’s democracy journey, he was 96. He was later buried on May 3, 2025, in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark (PANDEF Leader, Ijaw Elder Statesman)
Days after Adebanjo’s death, Nigeria lost another towering voice when Chief Edwin Clark died on February 17, 2025. The former Federal Commissioner for Information and prominent Ijaw leader was 98. Reports around his final hours said he took ill and was moved for medical attention before he passed. He was buried on May 13, 2025, in Kiagbodo, Delta State.
Dr. Doyin Okupe (Politician and Former Presidential Spokesperson)
Veteran politician and former presidential spokesperson, Dr Doyin Okupe, died on March 7, 2025, at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. Okupe served in high-level communications roles in past administrations and remained an influential figure across multiple political cycles. He was buried in his hometown, Iperu-Remo in Ogun State, later in March.
Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo (Former Kwara Governor)
On June 25, 2025, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, former governor of Kwara State and a former minister, died at 84. Adebayo was remembered for his role in Nigeria’s political history, including his time in the Second Republic and later federal appointments.
Muhammadu Buhari (Former President of Nigeria)
Former President Muhammadu Buhari died on July 13, 2025, in London at the age of 82. He was buried on July 15, 2025, in Daura, Katsina State, with national honours and attendance by top Nigerian and foreign dignitaries. His death triggered wide reactions nationwide, reflecting his deep political imprint and polarising legacy.
Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo (Bayelsa Deputy Governor)
Towards the end of the year, Bayelsa State was thrown into mourning following the death of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo on December 11, 2025. Reports said he collapsed while at work and was rushed for medical attention. Governor Douye Diri later directed that an autopsy be conducted to determine the exact cause of death, urging the public to avoid speculation.
