Seven Nigerian political leaders whose deaths marked 2025

The year 2025 was a sobering one for Nigeria’s political community, as the nation lost several respected leaders whose influence cut across governance, advocacy, and public service.

These deaths, occurring at different points in the year, brought moments of reflection on leadership, legacy, and national history.

From serving lawmakers to elder statesmen and a former head of state, the passing of these figures left noticeable gaps in Nigeria’s political and socio-cultural space.

Adewunmi Onanuga

Honourable Adewunmi Onanuga, a member of the House of Representatives and Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly, passed away on January 15, 2025, at the age of 60.
Representing the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, Onanuga was widely regarded as a disciplined legislator whose parliamentary career was cut short after a brief illness.

Ayo Adebanjo

Veteran nationalist and Afenifere leader Pa Ayo Adebanjo died on February 14, aged 96.
A lifelong advocate of true federalism and democratic ideals, Adebanjo spent decades shaping political thought in the South-West and beyond. He was later laid to rest in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State.

Edwin Kiagbodo Clark

Former Federal Commissioner and Ijaw leader Chief Edwin Clark passed away on February 17 at the age of 98.
Known for his outspoken defence of Niger Delta interests, Clark remained politically active well into old age. His death occurred in Abuja after he reportedly developed sudden health complications. He was buried in his hometown in Delta State.

Doyin Okupe

Political strategist and former presidential aide Dr. Doyin Okupe died on March 7, aged 72, after battling a prolonged illness.
Okupe served successive administrations and played a prominent role in national political communication over several decades. His burial took place in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State.

Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo

Ex-Kwara State Governor and former minister Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo died on June 25 at 84 years old.
Adebayo served Nigeria both at the state and federal levels, including a stint in the cabinet during the Obasanjo administration. He was buried in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Muhammadu Buhari

Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 while receiving medical care in the United Kingdom.
Buhari, who ruled Nigeria both as a military leader and a civilian president, was buried in Daura, Katsina State, amid tight security and the presence of dignitaries from across Africa and beyond.

Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo

Tragedy struck again in December with the death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who collapsed while on duty on December 11.
The Bayelsa State Government declared a period of mourning, while medical examinations were ordered to determine the exact cause of death.