Since the beginning of the year, several high-profile Nigerians have died. From the political space to the showbiz world, the deaths of these prominent personalities made headlines, triggering an outpour of condolences.

With 2022 almost over, here is a snapshot of popular Nigerian personalities who died this year:

Rico Swavey

First on this list is a former BBNaija star Rico Swavey. Born Patrick Adebowale Fakoya, he died in a motor accident on October 13th. The 29-year-old was said to be in a coma for days before his death.

One week after his death, the former reality TV star was buried at the Ebony vault in Ikoyi, Lagos in a private event attended by family and friends.

Oba Lamidi – Alaafin of Oyo

Away from Rico, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi 111, was one of the public figures who died in the year. Born October 15, 1938, the respected was the longest-reigning Alaafin of Oyo having stayed 52 years on the throne.

Oba Lamidi, who hailed from the Alowodu Ruling House, died at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti in Ekiti State on April 23rd.

Saliu Adetunji – Olubadan of Ibadan

The South-West region also lost another respected figure: Saliu Adetunji. The Olubadan of Ibadan died in the early hours of Sunday, January 2nd. He was born on August 26th, 1928, and was crowned the 41st Olubadan on March 4, 2016.

Amechi Mbazulike

Months after the monarch’s demise, a former Aviation of Aviation, Amechi Mbazuluike, died. The first republic cabinet member died on November 1st aged 93, one year after his wife Mrs Chinelo, passed away.

Until his demise, Mr. Amechi, who hails from Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, had pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to release the leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Chinedu Nwadike

Another popular figure in the South-East, Chinedu Nwadike died this year. The Imo-born gospel singer, who was known for his hit song ‘God of Vengeance’, died on March 27th in Abuja.

The 39-year-old “Okwu Gbajie Aka” crooner was reportedly said to have recovered from kidney disease and was scheduled for further medical treatment in India before he died.

Chinedu was a dancer for another gospel singer Gozie Okeke until he started his singing career. He was also an actor and featured in several Nollywood movies.

He was survived by a wife, Dorah Nwadike, and three children.

Osinachi Nwachukwu

Weeks after Chinedu’s death, Nigerian gospel singers were hit again. News about Osinachi Nwachukwu’s passage filtered in on April 9th. She was 42 and hailed from Imo State.

A lead singer with the Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Osinachi rose to stardom with her song “Ekwueme” which she did with Prospa Ochimana.

The mother of four died in an Abuja hospital with reports claiming it was from domestic abuse she suffered from her husband, Peter Nwachukwu. But the husband has denied such. On June 25th, she was laid to rest.

Sammie Okposo

While Osinachi’s death continued to generate conversation, Okposo died! The Well-Welu crooner passed on on November 24 aged 51. Close associates including singer, Buchi Atuonwu, simply known as Buchi, told Channels Television that he died in Abuja.

He was buried on December 6th in Lagos State.

Ada Ameh

Months before Okposo, death, Nollywood lost one of its biggest talents – Ada Ameh. The star of the sitcom, The Johnson’s, died on July 18th at the age of 48.

The Benue-born actress passed on at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) hospital in Warri, Delta State after slumping.

Romanus Amuta (Natty)

Earlier, Nollywood had lost veteran Romanus ‘Natty’ Amuta. His February 9th, 2022 death was due to a protracted illness, according to the son.

Natty died at 79 in a Lagos hospital. He broke into the limelight for his role as “Natty” in the television sitcom New Masquerade. He also starred in movies like Lion Ginger, and Eagle’s Bride among others.

Lari Williams

Another veteran who died that same month was Lari Williams. News of his passage came on February 29th, 2022. He was 81. The late actor was the inaugural president of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) with his career spanning over 50 years.

Ezekiel Atang

In Christendom, clergyman, Ezekiel Atang, was one of the popular names taken away by death.

The family life coach died on Monday, 21st February 2022, three weeks before his 50th birthday. Until his death, he was the founder and Senior Pastor of God’s House Of Refuge in Nigeria.

Ernest Sonekan

Away from the entertainment circle, several prominent persons in the political scene also died. Ernest Shonekan, a former president of the Interim National Government (INEC) was among them. He died on January 11, 2022, at 85.

The elder statesman was a successor to former Military President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida and led the country for only three months – August 26 – November 17, 1993.

He died of natural causes in his residence in Lekki, Lagos.

Paul Unongo

Later in the year, a former leader of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) Chief Paul Iorpuu Unongo’s passage was announced. He died on November 29, 2022, at the age of 87 in Jos, Plateau State.

Demola Seriki

And just recently, Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain Demola Seriki died in the country’s Madrid capital on November 15, 2022.

Ambassador Seriki died at 63 and was until his passage Nigeria’s permanent envoy to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

Vincent Ogbulafor

Ogbulafor died on October 6, 2022, in Canada. He was 73 and served previously as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The PDP chieftain hailed from Olokoro, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State. (Channels TV)

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