Table of Contents
- Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga
- Pa Ayo Adebanjo
- Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark
- Doyin Okupe
- Former Governor Adebayo
- Former President Muhammadu Buhari
- Bayelsa Deputy Governor
Several notable Nigerian politicians, who eagerly entered 2025, sadly passed away during the year.
While some prominent leaders died at the start of the year, others joined their ancestors towards the end of 2025.
DAILY POST remembers the top seven politicians whose deaths greatly impacted the nation in 2025.
Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga
The first notable politician to pass away in 2025 was Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, who died while serving as Deputy Chief Whip in the House of Representatives.
Onanuga, who represented the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, passed away on January 15, 2025, after a brief illness.
The lawmaker, who was re-elected in 2023 and appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly, died at the age of 60.
Pa Ayo Adebanjo
Just two months into 2025, a prominent nationalist and leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, passed away.
The elder statesman died peacefully at his home in Lekki, Lagos State, on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96.
Amid tears, Adebanjo was laid to rest on May 3, 2025, in his hometown, Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark
On February 17, 2025, former Federal Commissioner for Information Edwin Clark passed away at the age of 98 after a brief illness in a private hospital in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
His death, described as a shocking loss by many, was particularly felt among stakeholders of the Ijaw ethnic nationality.
Before his passing, the South-South leader had attended public events without any visible signs of health issues.
Reports indicate that Mr. Clark experienced breathing difficulties on the night of February 16, which led to his hospitalization in Abuja, where he unfortunately passed away.
The elder statesman was buried on May 13 in the well-known Kiagbodo town, Delta State.
Doyin Okupe
A seasoned politician and media strategist, Doyin Okupe passed away on March 7, 2025, at the age of 72.
Okupe, a former presidential spokesperson for Nigerian Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, died in Lagos State after a lengthy illness.
The former Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign was laid to rest in his hometown, Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, on March 28, 2025.
Former Governor Adebayo
Former senator and ex-governor of Kwara State, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, passed away on June 25, 2025.
Adebayo, who became governor of Kwara State during the Second Republic, died at the age of 84.
The elder statesman also served as the Minister of Communications and Transportation under former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 2003 to 2006 and was later buried in his hometown in the Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari
The immediate past Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, passed away in London, United Kingdom, on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82.
Buhari died after a brief illness in a London hospital and was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, on July 15, 2025.
Numerous local and international politicians, including current and former presidents, attended the former president's funeral.
Bayelsa Deputy Governor
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, tragically passed away on December 11 after collapsing while working in his office.
In response, state governor Senator Douye Diri ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of Ewhrudjakpo’s death.
Deeply saddened by this unfortunate event, the governor declared a three-day state mourning period and directed that all flags be flown at half-mast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the notable Nigerian politicians that passed away in 2025?
The notable Nigerian politicians who passed away in 2025 include Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, Doyin Okupe, former Governor Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, former President Muhammadu Buhari, and Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
Related to this topic:
