The year 2025 proved to be a deeply sobering one for Nigeria as the country lost several prominent political figures whose deaths reverberated across the nation.
While some of these influential leaders passed away in the early days of the year, others died toward its close, leaving lasting legacies in politics, governance and national development.
Below is a recall of seven notable Nigerian politicians whose deaths in 2025 stirred widespread grief and national reflection.
Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga
The first major political loss of the year was Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives. Onanuga, who represented the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, died on January 15, 2025, after a brief illness.
Re-elected in 2023 and appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th National Assembly, the lawmaker passed away at the age of 60, drawing tributes from colleagues across party lines.
Chief Ayo Adebanjo
Barely two months into the year, Nigeria lost a revered nationalist and elder statesman, Chief Ayo Adebanjo. The leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, died peacefully at his Lekki residence in Lagos State on February 14, 2025, aged 96.
Adebanjo was laid to rest on May 3, 2025, at his hometown of Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, amid emotional scenes and glowing tributes.
Chief Edwin Clark
On February 17, 2025, former Federal Commissioner for Information and prominent Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, died at the age of 98. He passed away after a brief illness at a private hospital in Abuja.
His death came as a shock to many, especially as he had been seen actively attending public events shortly before his passing. Reports indicated that he experienced breathing difficulties on the night of February 16 before being rushed to the hospital. Clark was buried on May 13, 2025, in Kiagbodo, Delta State.
Dr. Doyin Okupe
Seasoned politician, medical doctor and media strategist, Dr. Doyin Okupe, died on March 7, 2025, at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. Okupe had served as presidential spokesperson to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
He was also the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign. Okupe was buried on March 28, 2025, in his hometown of Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo
A former governor of Kwara State and ex-senator, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, passed away on June 25, 2025, at the age of 84. Adebayo governed Kwara State during the Second Republic and later served as Minister of Communications and Transportation between 2003 and 2006 under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He was laid to rest in his hometown in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari
Nigeria was thrown into mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on July 13, 2025, in London, United Kingdom, after a brief illness. He was 82 years old.
Buhari was buried on July 15, 2025, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State. The burial was attended by several local and international dignitaries, including sitting and former presidents.
Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo
Tragedy struck Bayelsa State toward the end of the year with the death of Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo on December 11, 2025. He reportedly slumped while working in his office.
In response, Governor Douye Diri ordered an autopsy to medically determine the cause of death and declared a three-day state mourning, directing that all flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the late deputy governor.
Together, these losses marked 2025 as one of the most emotionally charged years in Nigeria’s political history, as the nation bid farewell to leaders whose contributions shaped governance and public discourse for decades.