The month of July 2025 ended on a solemn note as Nigeria and the world mourned the loss of several prominent figures. From former presidents and traditional rulers to global music legends and Hollywood stars, the month was marked by emotional tributes and reflections on lives that left lasting impacts in politics, culture, sports, and entertainment.
Muhammadu Buhari – Nigeria’s Former President Dies at 82
On July 13, Nigeria lost one of its most consequential political figures, General Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness. A former military ruler (1983–1985) and two-term democratic president (2015–2023), Buhari’s leadership defined nearly two decades of Nigerian politics.
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He was buried in Daura, Katsina State, after a state funeral attended by sitting and former leaders, military top brass, and foreign dignitaries. His death marked the end of a generation of military-turned-democratic rulers in Nigeria’s modern history.
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona – The Awujale Bows Out at 91
The same day Buhari died, Ijebuland and the wider Yoruba nation were plunged into mourning with the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland. The 91-year-old monarch died peacefully in Ijebu-Ode after over six decades on the throne, having ascended in 1960.
He was revered for his modern leadership style, political diplomacy, and steadfast promotion of cultural heritage. His passing ended a historic 64-year reign—the longest of any Yoruba king in contemporary history.
Oba Owolabi Olakulehin – Olubadan Dies Days After Turning 90
Ibadanland also suffered a royal loss when Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan, died on July 7, barely two days after marking his 90th birthday.
Though his reign was short, Oba Olakulehin’s role in the city’s chieftaincy system spanned decades, with many lauding his quiet strength and unwavering presence in the traditional institution. His passing triggered traditional rites and mourning across Oyo State.
Peter Rufai – “Dodo Mayana” Passes at 61
Nigerian football lost a legend on July 3, as Peter Rufai, fondly called “Dodo Mayana,” died in Lagos after a long illness. He was 61.
Rufai was Nigeria’s goalkeeper at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups and part of the squad that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations. He remains one of the most celebrated figures in Nigerian football history, both for his performance and leadership on and off the pitch.
Global Icons Who Also Passed in July 2025
Hulk Hogan – Wrestling Legend Dies at 71
On July 24, wrestling fans around the world mourned the death of Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea), who died of a heart attack at age 71. The WWE Hall of Famer and pop culture icon had battled leukemia and heart complications before his death.
Hogan was best known for his charisma in the ring and his role in bringing professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment during the 1980s and 1990s.
Ozzy Osbourne – Prince of Darkness Dies at 76
Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, died on July 22 at age 76. He had been battling health issues including Parkinson’s disease and spinal complications.
Known for pioneering heavy metal music and a wild public persona, Ozzy’s death marked the end of a revolutionary era in global rock history.
Chuck Mangione – Jazz Maestro Dies at 84
Grammy-winning jazz flugelhorn player Chuck Mangione died peacefully in his sleep on July 22 in New York, aged 84. His hit song “Feels So Good” remains a global jazz classic, and his influence was felt across multiple generations of music lovers.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner – TV Star Drowns at 54
On July 20, actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, known for playing Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, drowned while swimming in Costa Rica. He was 54.
Warner was remembered not only for his iconic childhood role but also for his mature performances and music career later in life.
Connie Francis – Pop Legend Dies at 87
Connie Francis, the American singer famous for hits like “Who’s Sorry Now?” and “Stupid Cupid,” died on July 16 from pneumonia at the age of 87. She was a global star throughout the 1950s and 1960s and remained a symbol of classic pop through the decades.
Michael Madsen – Veteran Hollywood Actor Dies at 67
Best known for roles in Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, and Donnie Brasco, actor Michael Madsen died on July 3, aged 67. He had suffered cardiac complications, and his death was mourned across Hollywood.
Julian McMahon – Star of Nip/Tuck and Charmed Dies at 56
Australian actor Julian McMahon died on July 4, at the age of 56, after a private battle with cancer. He starred in several hit series and was praised for his performances in both drama and fantasy genres.
Young Noble – Rapper and Outlawz Member Dies at 47
Young Noble, a member of Tupac Shakur’s Outlawz group, died by suicide on July 4, aged 47. His death shocked the hip-hop community and reignited conversations around mental health in the music industry.
Tom Lehrer – Iconic Satirical Songwriter Dies at 97
On July 26, the world lost Tom Lehrer, a Harvard mathematician turned satirical singer, at age 97. His witty and politically charged songs made him a unique voice in American musical history.
Sir David Nabarro – Global Health Icon Dies at 75
British physician and public health leader Sir David Nabarro, known for leading global responses to COVID‑19 and Ebola, died on July 25. He was 75 and widely respected for his commitment to global health equity.
Ziad Rahbani – Lebanese Composer and Playwright Dies at 69
Famed for his politically satirical plays and music, Lebanese artist Ziad Rahbani died on July 26 from liver complications. He was 69 and remained one of the most influential Arab cultural voices of the last five decades.
Martin Cruz Smith – Author of Gorky Park Dies at 82
American novelist Martin Cruz Smith, best known for his bestselling Soviet-era thriller Gorky Park, died in late July at age 82. His work influenced modern spy and crime fiction across the globe.
Diogo Jota – Liverpool and Portugal Star Dies in Car Crash at 28
On July 3, the world of football was shaken by the sudden death of Diogo Jota, the 28-year-old Portuguese forward who played for Liverpool FC and the Portugal national team. Jota died in a tragic car crash alongside his younger brother, André Silva, while driving through Zamora, Spain.
The accident occurred when their vehicle suffered a tyre blowout and veered off the road. Both brothers were confirmed dead at the scene.
Jota was recently part of the Liverpool squad that won the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup in the 2024/2025 season. Internationally, he played a key role in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victory earlier in the summer. Just weeks before his death, he had married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso.
His passing sparked tributes from teammates, football clubs across Europe, and global fans, with Liverpool announcing plans for a permanent memorial in his honour.
In Conclusion
From Daura to Detroit, Ijebu-Ode to Hollywood, and Ibadan to Beirut, July 2025 claimed a host of powerful voices and enduring legacies. Their deaths have left deep voids across leadership, entertainment, tradition, music, and thought. But in their contributions, they will live on.
