Seven Nigerian Politicians Whose Deaths Shook the Nation in 2025
Several high-profile Nigerian politicians who welcomed the year 2025 did not live to see its end, as death claimed them at different points during the year.
While a number of influential figures passed on in the early months of 2025, others died toward the closing days of the year, leaving lasting impressions on the nation’s political landscape.
PulseNets recalls seven prominent Nigerian politicians whose deaths, learnt by the newsroom at different times, sent shockwaves across the country in 2025.
House of Representatives Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga
The first major political loss recorded in 2025 was that of Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, who died while serving as the Deputy Chief Whip of 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.
PulseNets learnt that the lawmaker, who was re-elected in 2023 and later appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly, died at the age of 60.
Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo
Barely two months into the year, Nigeria lost a foremost nationalist and leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.
Adebanjo died peacefully at his Lekki residence in Lagos State on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96, PulseNets reported.
Amid tears from associates and supporters, the elder statesman was buried on May 3, 2025, in his hometown of Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark
On February 17, 2025, former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, died at the age of 98 after a brief illness at a private hospital in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
The death of Clark, a leading voice of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, was widely described by stakeholders as a rude shock, PulseNets obtained.
Prior to his passing, the South-South leader had been sighted at public engagements with no visible signs of ill health.
Reports available to PulseNets indicated that Clark developed breathing difficulties on the night of February 16, prompting his transfer to the Abuja hospital where he eventually died.
He was laid to rest 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, who served as presidential spokesperson to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, died in Lagos State after a prolonged illness, PulseNets learnt.
The former Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign was buried on March 28, 2025, in his hometown of Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Former Kwara State governor, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo
Former senator and ex-governor of Kwara State, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, passed away on June 25, 2025.
Adebayo, who governed Kwara State during the Second Republic, died at the age of 84.
PulseNets reported that the elder statesman also served as Minister of Communications and Transportation under former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 2003 and 2006 before 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, United Kingdom, on July 13, 2026, at the age of 82.
Buhari reportedly died after a brief illness in a London hospital and was buried on July 15, 2025, in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State.
PulseNets learnt that several local and international dignitaries, including sitting and former presidents, attended the burial rites.
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, died on December 11 after reportedly slumping while working in his office.
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Following the incident, Governor Douye Diri directed that an autopsy be conducted to medically determine the cause of Ewhrudjakpo’s death, PulseNets obtained.
Deeply affected by the development, the governor declared a three-day period of mourning across the state and ordered that all flags be flown at half-mast.
