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Some prominent Nigerian politicians, who excitedly crossed over into 2025, died within the year.
While some of the prominent leaders died at the beginning of the year, others joined their ancestors at the tail end of 2025.
DAILY POST recalls top seven politicians that their deaths shook the country in 2025.
House of Reps’ Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga
The first prominent politician that died in 2025 was Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, who passed away while serving as Deputy Chief Whip in 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.
The lawmaker, who was re-elected in 2023 and appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly, died at the age of 60 years.
Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo
Barely two months into 2025, a foremost nationalist and leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo died.
The elder statesman died peacefully at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State on February 14, 2025 at the age of 96.
Amid tears, Adebanjo was buried on May 3, 2025 at his hometown, Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark
On February 17, 2025, a former Federal Commissioner for Information, Edwin Clark died at the age of 98 after a brief illness at a private hospital in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.
The death of Mr Clark, a prominent leader of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, was described by many stakeholders as a rude shock.
Prior to his demise, the South-South leader was sighted at public events without obvious indication of ill-health.
According to reports, Mr Clark had difficulty breathing in the night on February 16, which prompted him to be moved to the private hospital in Abuja where he unfortunately died.
The elder statesman was buried on May 13 at the popular Kiagbodo town, Delta State.
Doyin Okupe
A seasoned politician and media strategist, Doyin Okupe died on March 7, 2025, at the age of 72.
Okupe, an ex-presidential spokesperson to former Nigerian Presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan died in Lagos State after a prolonged illness.
The former Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign was on March 28, 2025 laid to rest in his hometown, Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Former governor of Kwara State, Adebayo
A former senator and ex-governor of Kwara state, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo passed away on June 25, 2025.
Adebayo, who emerged governor of Kwara State during the Second Republic died at the age of 84 years.
The elder statesman, who served as the Minister of Communications and Transportation during former president Olusegun Obasanjo regime from 2003 to 2006, was later buried in his hometown in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Former President, Muhammadu Buhari
The immediate past Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari died in London, United Kingdom, UK on July 13, 2026 at the age of 82 years.
Buhari, who died after a brief illness in the London hospital, was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State on July 15, 2025.
Several local and foreign politicians, including presidents and former presidents witnessed the interment of the former president.
Bayelsa deputy governor
Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, dead died on December 11 after slumping while he was working in his office.
The state governor, Senator Douye Diri subsequently directed that an autopsy be carried out on Ewhrudjakpo’s body, to medically determine the cause of his death.
Pained by the ugly development, the governor declared a three-day state mourning, directing that all flags be flown at half-mast.
Top politicians, other prominent Nigerians that died in 2025
