The year 2025 was marked by the loss of several towering political figures and elder statesmen whose deaths sent shockwaves across Nigeria. Though many of them ushered in the new year with hope and renewed public engagement, fate had other plans.
While some passed on in the early months of the year, others joined their ancestors toward the close of 2025, leaving behind legacies that shaped Nigeria’s political history, governance, and socio-cultural evolution.
Fresh Facts Magazine recalls seven prominent Nigerian politicians whose deaths deeply affected the nation in 2025.
Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga
Deputy Chief Whip, House of Representatives
The first major political loss of 2025 was Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, who died on January 15, 2025, after a brief illness. She was serving as the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives at the time of her death.
Hon. Onanuga represented the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State. Re-elected in 2023 and appointed to the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, she passed away at the age of 60, leaving colleagues and constituents in deep mourning.
Pa Ayo Adebanjo
Afenifere Leader and Nationalist
Barely two months into the year, Nigeria lost one of its most revered voices of conscience. Pa Ayo Adebanjo, foremost nationalist and leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, died peacefully on February 14, 2025, at his Lekki residence in Lagos State.
He was 96 years old. Amid national tributes and emotional farewells, the elder statesman was laid to rest on May 3, 2025, in his hometown of Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark
Ijaw Leader and Former Federal Commissioner
On February 17, 2025, Nigeria lost Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information and a respected leader of the Ijaw nation. He died at the age of 98 after a brief illness at a private hospital in Abuja.
His death came as a shock to many, as he had remained visible at public functions shortly before his passing. Reports indicated that he experienced breathing difficulties on the night of February 16, prompting his hospitalisation. Chief Clark was buried on May 13, 2025, in Kiagbodo, Delta State.
Doyin Okupe
Politician and Media Strategist
Veteran politician and seasoned media strategist, Dr. Doyin Okupe, died on March 7, 2025, at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness.
Okupe served as presidential spokesperson to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and later became Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign. He was laid to rest on March 28, 2025, in his hometown of Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo
Former Governor of Kwara State
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 under President Olusegun Obasanjo between 2003 and 2006. He was buried in his hometown in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Muhammadu Buhari
Former President of Nigeria
Nigeria was plunged into mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on July 13, 2025, in London, United Kingdom, after a brief illness. He was 82 years old.
The former military Head of State and two-term civilian President was laid to rest on July 15, 2025, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State. The burial was attended by several serving and former presidents, foreign dignitaries, and top political leaders from across the world.
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor
Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo
Tragedy struck Bayelsa State on December 11, 2025, following the sudden death of the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who reportedly slumped while working in his office.
Governor Douye Diri ordered an autopsy to determine the exact 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.
Their passing marked the end of remarkable chapters in Nigeria’s political journey, but their legacies continue to resonate across generations.
