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Prominent Nigerian Politicians and Public Figures Who Died in 2025
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Several influential Nigerian politicians and elder statesmen passed away in 2025
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Deaths occurred at different periods of the year, from January to December
Several notable Nigerian political figures who entered 2025 with high expectations did not live to see the end of the year, as death cut short their lives at various stages of the year.
While some of these prominent individuals passed away early in the year, others died towards the closing months of 2025, leaving behind legacies that shaped Nigeria’s political and socio-cultural landscape.
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Below is a recap of key politicians and public figures whose deaths deeply affected the nation in 2025.
Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga
Deputy Chief Whip, House of Representatives
Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga was the first prominent political figure to die in 2025. The lawmaker, who represented the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, passed away on January 15 after a brief illness.
She was serving as the Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th House of Representatives, having been re-elected in 2023. Onanuga died at the age of 60.
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Pa Ayo Adebanjo
Afenifere Leader and Nationalist
Veteran nationalist and leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, died on February 14, 2025.
The respected elder statesman passed away peacefully at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State, at the age of 96. He was later buried on May 3 in his hometown of Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark
Ijaw Leader and Former Federal Commissioner
Chief Edwin Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information and prominent leader of the Ijaw nation, died on February 17, 2025, at the age of 98.
His death followed a brief illness, after he reportedly developed breathing complications the previous night. Clark passed away at a private hospital in Abuja and was buried on May 13 in Kiagbodo, Delta State.
Doyin Okupe
Politician and Media Strategist
Seasoned politician and former presidential spokesperson, Doyin Okupe, died on March 7, 2025, at the age of 72.
Okupe had served under former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan and later emerged as Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign. He was laid to rest on March 28 in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, following a prolonged illness.
Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo
Former Kwara State Governor
Former Kwara State governor and ex-senator, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, died on June 25, 2025, aged 84.
Adebayo served as governor during Nigeria’s Second Republic and later held the position of Minister of Communications and Transportation between 2003 and 2006. He was buried in his hometown in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Muhammadu Buhari
Former President of Nigeria
Nigeria’s immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82, in London, United Kingdom, after a brief illness.
His remains were flown back to Nigeria and buried on July 15 in Daura, Katsina State. The burial ceremony was attended by several Nigerian and foreign dignitaries, including sitting and former heads of state.
Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo
Deputy Governor, Bayelsa State
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, died on December 11, 2025, after reportedly collapsing in his office.
Following the incident, Governor Douye Diri ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The state government declared a three-day mourning period, with flags flown at half-mast across
