Some prominent Nigerian politicians, who joyfully crossed into 2025, lost their lives within the year.
While some of these notable leaders died at the beginning of the year, others passed away towards the end of 2025.
It recalls the top seven politicians whose deaths shook the country in 2025.
House of Reps’ Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga
The first prominent politician to die in 2025 was Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, who passed away while serving as Deputy Chief Whip in the House of Representatives.
Onanuga, who represented the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, died on 15 January 2025 after a brief illness.
The lawmaker, who was re-elected in 2023 and appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly, died at the age of 60.
Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo
Barely two months into 2025, a foremost nationalist and leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, died.
The elder statesman died peacefully at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State, on 14 February 2025 at the age of 96.
Amid tears, Adebanjo was buried on 3 May 2025 in his hometown, Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark
On 17 February 2025, a former Federal Commissioner for Information, Edwin Clark, died at the age of 98 after a brief illness at a private hospital in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.
The death of Mr Clark, a prominent leader of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, was described by many stakeholders as a rude shock.
Before his death, the South-South leader had been seen at public events without any obvious sign of ill-health.
According to reports, Mr Clark experienced difficulty breathing during the night of 16 February, which led to him being taken to the private hospital in Abuja, where he unfortunately died.
The elder statesman was buried on 13 May at the popular Kiagbodo town in Delta State.
Doyin Okupe
A seasoned politician and media strategist, Doyin Okupe, died on 7 March 2025 at the age of 72.
Okupe, a former presidential spokesperson to former Nigerian Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, died in Lagos State after a prolonged illness.
The former Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign was laid to rest on 28 March 2025 in his hometown, Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Former governor of Kwara State, Adebayo
A former senator and ex-governor of Kwara State, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, passed away on 25 June 2025.
Adebayo, who became governor of Kwara State during the Second Republic, died at the age of 84.
The elder statesman, who served as the Minister of Communications and Transportation during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration from 2003 to 2006, was later buried in his hometown in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari
The immediate past Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, died in London, United Kingdom, UK, on 13 July 2026 at the age of 82.
Buhari, who died after a brief illness in a London hospital, was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, on 15 July 2025.
Several local and foreign politicians, including presidents and former presidents, attended the burial of the former president.
Bayelsa deputy governor
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, died on 11 December after collapsing while he was working in his office.
The state governor, Senator Douye Diri, subsequently directed that an autopsy be conducted on Ewhrudjakpo’s body to medically determine the cause of his death.
Deeply saddened by the tragic development, the governor declared a three-day state mourning and ordered that all flags be flown at half-mast.
