Some prominent Nigerian politicians who welcomed 2025 with optimism did not live to see the end of the year, as death claimed several influential figures across the country.
While a number of the leaders died early in the year, others passed away towards its close, leaving behind political legacies that stirred national reflection.
Below is a recap of seven notable Nigerian politicians whose deaths shook the nation in 2025.
House of Representatives’ Deputy Chief Whip, Adewunmi Onanuga
The first major political loss of 2025 was Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives.
Onanuga, who represented Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, died on January 15, 2025, after a brief illness.
She was re-elected in 2023 and appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly. She died at the age of 60.
Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo
Barely two months into the year, Nigeria lost a respected nationalist and leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
Adebanjo died peacefully at his Lekki residence in Lagos State on February 14, 2025, aged 96.
He was buried on May 3, 2025, at his hometown of Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark
Former Federal Commissioner for Information and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, died on February 17, 2025, at the age of 98.
He passed away after a brief illness at a private hospital in Abuja, following breathing complications the previous night.
Clark was buried on May 13, 2025, in Kiagbodo town, Delta State.
Doyin Okupe
Veteran politician and media strategist, Doyin Okupe, died on March 7, 2025, at the age of 72.
Okupe, a former presidential spokesperson to Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, died in Lagos after a prolonged illness.
He was buried on March 28, 2025, in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Former Kwara governor, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo
Former senator and ex-governor of Kwara State, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, died on June 25, 2025, aged 84.
Adebayo served as governor during the Second Republic and later as Minister of Communications and Transportation between 2003 and 2006.
He was buried in his hometown in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari
Nigeria’s immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, died in London on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82.
He passed away after a brief illness and was buried on July 15, 2025, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
Local and foreign dignitaries, including sitting and former presidents, attended his burial.
Bayelsa Deputy Governor
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, died on December 11, 2025, after slumping in his office.
Governor Douye Diri ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death and declared a three-day mourning period.
He also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the state.