Top Politicians and Other Influential Nigerians Who Died in 2025

The year 2025 came with moments of deep sorrow for Nigeria as several influential political figures and respected national leaders passed away within the year. These individuals, who entered the new year with optimism, could not see its end, leaving behind legacies that shaped governance, advocacy, and public service across different regions of the country.

While some of these prominent Nigerians died early in 2025, others took their final bow toward the end of the year. Their deaths triggered nationwide reactions, with tributes pouring in from political leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens who had followed their journeys for decades.

LMSINT MEDIA revisits the deaths of seven notable politicians whose passing deeply affected the nation in 2025.

Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga – Deputy Chief Whip, House of Representatives

The first major political loss recorded in 2025 was that of Honourable Adewunmi Onanuga, who was serving as the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives at the time of her death.

Onanuga, a respected lawmaker representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, died on January 15, 2025, following a brief illness. Her death came as a shock to colleagues and constituents, given her active participation in legislative affairs.

She had been re-elected into the House in 2023 and later appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th National Assembly. The seasoned parliamentarian passed away at the age of 60, cutting short a political career marked by dedication to grassroots representation and legislative discipline.

Pa Ayo Adebanjo – Afenifere Leader and Yoruba Nationalist

Barely two months into the year, Nigeria lost one of its most vocal elder statesmen, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a renowned nationalist and leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere.

Adebanjo died peacefully at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State, on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96. Known for his unwavering stance on restructuring, democracy, and true federalism, his death marked the end of an era in Yoruba and Nigerian political advocacy.

After weeks of tributes and memorial activities, the late elder statesman was laid to rest on May 3, 2025, in his hometown, Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.

Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark – Ijaw Leader and Former Federal Commissioner

Just days after Adebanjo’s passing, Nigeria was again thrown into mourning with the death of Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark on February 17, 2025.

Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information and a prominent leader of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, died at the age of 98 after a brief illness at a private hospital in Abuja.

His death came as a rude shock to many, especially as he had recently been seen attending public engagements without visible signs of ill health. Reports later revealed that he developed breathing complications on the night of February 16, prompting his emergency transfer to the hospital where he eventually passed on.

The elder statesman was buried on May 13, 2025, in Kiagbodo, Delta State, amid tributes from across the Niger Delta and beyond.

Doyin Okupe – Politician and Media Strategist

Veteran politician and communication strategist Doyin Okupe died on March 7, 2025, at the age of 72, after battling a prolonged illness.

Okupe served as a presidential spokesperson to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and was widely regarded for his influence in Nigeria’s political media space. He later emerged as the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign.

He passed away in Lagos State, and was buried on March 28, 2025, in his hometown, Iperu-Remo, located in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo – Former Governor of Kwara State

Another major political loss recorded in mid-2025 was the death of Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, a former senator and ex-governor of Kwara State.

Adebayo, who governed Kwara State during the Second Republic, died on June 25, 2025, at the age of 84. Beyond his role as governor, he also served as Minister of Communications and Transportation under former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 2003 and 2006.

The elder statesman was later 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 in London, United Kingdom, on July 13, 2026, at the age of 82, following a brief illness.

Despite his death occurring abroad, arrangements were swiftly made for his burial in Nigeria. Buhari was laid to rest on July 15, 2025, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.

His burial attracted several dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria, including sitting presidents, former heads of state, and top government officials who gathered to pay their final respects.

Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo – Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State

Towards the end of 2025, tragedy struck Bayelsa State with the sudden death of its Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on December 11.

Ewhrudjakpo reportedly slumped while working in his office and was confirmed dead shortly afterward. In response, the state governor, Senator Douye Diri, ordered an autopsy to medically establish the cause of death.

As a mark of respect, the governor declared a three-day mourning period across the state and directed that all flags be flown at half-mast, reflecting the deep sense of loss felt by the government and people of Bayelsa.