The year 2025 marked the demise of many notable Nigerians whose lives shaped the country's politics, culture, business, sports, religion and public life. From former presidents and traditional rulers to artists, athletes, academics and business leaders, their deaths closed important chapters in Nigeria's national story.
Here's a look at some of the prominent Nigerians we lost in 2025 and the legacies they left behind.
Muhammadu Buhari
Former President Muhammadu Buhari died in London in July 2025. Buhari, a former military ruler and two-time civilian president, served as the military governor of the old North-Eastern State (covering present-day Borno and parts of north central Nigeria) between 1975 and 1976.
He later became Minister of Petroleum Resources between 1976 and 1979 under the military government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. In December 1983, Buhari led a military coup that ousted President Shehu Shagari and ruled Nigeria until August 1985. Decades later, he returned as a civilian leader, serving as President from 2015 to 2023.
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Ojale of Ijebuland, died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 95. Ascending the throne in 1960, Adetona was one of Nigeria's longest-ruling monarchs and a towering figure in Yoruba traditional leadership. His reign was marked by modernization, advocacy of education, and principled engagement with successive governments.
arthur mbanefo
Nigeria's former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Arthur Mbanefo, died in December at the age of 95. Appointed by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, Mbanefo represented Nigeria at the United Nations during the crucial post-military era and also served as Chairman of the Group of 77, which amplified Nigeria's voice on global development and diplomacy.
edwin kiagbodo clark
Former Federal Commissioner for Information and prominent Ijaw leader Edwin Kiagbodo Clark died on February 17, 2025, in Abuja at the age of 98, after a brief illness. A strong supporter of minority rights and Niger Delta development, Clarke remained an influential political voice in his later years.
Doyin Occupy
Doyin Okupe, a former presidential aide and outspoken political commentator, died in March at the age of 72. He served as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to former President Goodluck Jonathan and was a familiar figure in Nigeria's political media sector.
dan agbese
Veteran journalist Dan Agbies died in November at the age of 81. One of Nigeria's most influential editors, he co-founded Newswatch magazine in 1984 with Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu and Yakubu Mohammed. The publication became Nigeria's first major journalist-owned weekly news magazine and helped define investigative journalism in the country.
Mohammad Lawal Uwais
Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Lawal Uwais, died on June 6, 2025, at the age of 89. CJN from 1995 to 2006, he later chaired the Electoral Reform Committee, whose recommendations, known as the Uwais Report, remain a reference point in Nigeria's democratic reform debate.
segun awolowo
Olusegun “Segun” Awolowo Jr., grandson of nationalist icon Chief Obafemi Awolowo, has died at the age of 62. His death was announced on November 20, 2025. He served as Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo and later as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, earning bipartisan recognition through reappointment under President Muhammadu Buhari.
Victor Omololu Olunloyo
Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, died on April 6, 2025, at the age of 90. A renowned mathematician and intellectual, he briefly served as governor before the military coup that brought Buhari to power in 1983 ended his tenure.
Christian Chukwu
Legendary footballer and former Super Eagles captain Christian Chukwu died on April 12, 2025 at the age of 74. The hero of Nigeria's 1980 Africa Cup of Nations victory, he later served as the national team coach and remains a respected figure in Nigerian football.
Aminu Alhassan Dantata
Aminu Dantata, business mogul and philanthropist, died on June 28, 2025 in Abu Dhabi at the age of 94. One of the most prominent businessmen in Northern Nigeria, he was widely praised for his philanthropy and investments in various sectors.
Allwell Ademola
Popular Yoruba Nollywood actress, filmmaker and producer Allwell Ademola reportedly died of a heart attack at her Lagos residence on December 27, 2025. She was the granddaughter of Adetokunbo Ademola, the first Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Bolaji Olanrewaju (Big Bolaji)
Gospel singer and Pastor Bolaji Olanrewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji, died on Easter Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the age of 50 after a brief illness. He was known for mixing gospel music with contemporary sounds.
columbus erosanga
Veteran Nollywood actor Columbus Erosanga died on February 6, 2025. Widely recognized for his roles as native doctors in films, he was also a Senior Lecturer in Theater Arts at the University of Port Harcourt.
Solomon Ehigiator Arse
Former Inspector General of Police and Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Solomon Arase died on August 31, 2025 at the age of 69. He was from Edo State and served in several senior policing roles.
peter rufai
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, fondly known as Dodo Maina, died on July 3 at the age of 61. He enjoyed a 20-year career spanning Nigeria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
ibrahim tanko muhammad
Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, died on December 16, 2025, at the age of 72. He served as CJN from 2019 to 2022.
Ladi Sandra Adamu
Ladi Sandra Adamu, the first professor of broadcasting in Northern Nigeria, died in November at the age of 67, leaving a legacy in media education.
Olorogun Oscar Ibru
Industrialist and Chairman of Ibru Organization, Olorogun Oscar Iyovbirere Ibru died on September 24, 2025 at the age of 67.
Ayo Adebanjo
Afenifere leader and senior politician Ayo Adebanjo died peacefully on February 14, 2025 at the age of 96. A nationalist, lawyer and politician, he was a lifelong supporter of restructuring and true federalism.
Olusegun Akinremi (Chief Kanran)
Veteran Yoruba actor Olusegun Akinremi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, died on August 15, 2025. She was celebrated for her humor, elegance and commanding screen presence.
Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo
Cornelius Adebayo, former governor, senator and minister of Kwara State, died on June 25, 2025, at the age of 84. He played many political roles in military and civil administration.
joy ogwu
Ambassador Joy Uche Angela Ogwu died in October at the age of 79. She was Nigeria's first female Permanent Representative to the United Nations and twice chaired the United Nations Security Council.
Lawrence Ehrudjakpo
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ehrudjakpo died after collapsing at the government house in Yenagoa in December.
uma ukpai
Renowned evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Uma Ukpai, died at the age of 80 on October 6, 2025, after more than five decades of ministry.
christopher collade
Corporate leader, broadcaster and academic Christopher Kolade died in October at the age of 93. He served as Director General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria and High Commissioner to the UK.
Oludolapo Ibukun Akinkugbe
Pharmacist and boardroom titan Oludolapo Akinkugbe died on September 22, 2025, at the age of 97. He was known as the “Chairman of Presidents”, his influence extending to healthcare, business and education.
Dahiru Osman Bauchi
Dahiru Osman Bauchi, Islamic scholar and leader of the Tijaniyyah Sufi sect, died in November after a brief illness.
ibrahim bello
The Emir of Gusau died in July at the age of 71. A former civil servant, he served as the 15th Emir of Gusau for a decade.
pascal dozy
Entrepreneur Pascal Dozy died in April at the age of 85. He founded Diamond Bank and served as the President of MTN Nigeria and Pan-Atlantic University.
ok ajiya
Okey Ezia, a Labor Party senator representing Enugu North, died in November during his first term in the 10th Senate.
Kayode Peters
Film producer, director and actor Kayode Peters died in Toronto on June 28, 2025, after a long illness. He was a pioneer of modern Nigerian theater and television comedy.
Jeremiah Useni
Retired Lieutenant General and former FCT minister Jeremiah Useni died in January at the age of 82. Popularly known as “Jerry Boy”, he served under the Abacha administration.
