The year 2025 marked the passing 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 is a look back 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. A former military ruler and two-term civilian president, Buhari served as 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 under the military government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1976 and 1979. 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

The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 95. Ascending the throne in 1960, Adetona was one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarchs and a towering figure in Yoruba traditional leadership. His reign was marked by modernisation, advocacy for education and principled engagement with successive governments.

Arthur Mbanefo

Arthur Mbanefo, former Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, died in December at the age of 95. Appointed in 1999 by President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mbanefo represented Nigeria at the UN during a critical post-military era and also served as Chairman of the Group of 77, amplifying Nigeria’s voice on global development and diplomacy.

Edwin Kiagbodo Clark

Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, former Federal Commissioner for Information and prominent Ijaw leader, died on February 17, 2025, at the age of 98 after a brief illness in Abuja. A fierce advocate for minority rights and Niger Delta development, Clark remained an influential political voice well into his later years.

Doyin Okupe

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 space.

Dan Agbese

Veteran journalist Dan Agbese died in November at the age of 81. One of Nigeria’s most influential editors, he co-founded Newswatch magazine in 1984 alongside 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.

Mohammed Lawal Uwais

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Lawal Uwais, died on June 6, 2025, aged 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 debates.

Segun Awolowo

Olusegun “Segun” Awolowo Jr., grandson of nationalist icon Chief Obafemi Awolowo, 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

Former Oyo State Governor Victor Omololu Olunloyo died on April 6, 2025, aged 90. A renowned mathematician and intellectual, he briefly served as governor in 1983 before the military coup that brought Buhari to power ended his tenure.

Christian Chukwu

Legendary footballer and former Super Eagles captain Christian Chukwu died on April 12, 2025, at the age of 74. A hero of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, he later served as national team coach and remained a respected figure in Nigerian football.

Aminu Alhassan Dantata

Business mogul and philanthropist Aminu Dantata died on June 28, 2025, aged 94, in Abu Dhabi. One of northern Nigeria’s most prominent businessmen, he was widely admired for his philanthropy and investments across sectors.

Allwell Ademola

Popular Yoruba Nollywood actress, filmmaker and producer Allwell Ademola died on December 27, 2025, reportedly from a heart attack at her Lagos residence. She was the granddaughter of Nigeria’s first Chief Justice, Adetokunbo Ademola.

Bolaji Olanrewaju (Big Bolaji)

Gospel singer and ordained 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 blending gospel music with contemporary sounds.

Columbus Irosanga

Veteran Nollywood actor Columbus Irosanga died on February 6, 2025. Widely recognised for his roles as native doctors in films, he was also a senior lecturer in Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt.

Solomon Ehigiator Arase

Former Inspector General of Police and Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Solomon Arase, died on August 31, 2025, aged 69. He hailed from Edo State and served in several senior policing roles.

Peter Rufai

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, fondly known as Dodo Mayana, died on July 3, aged 61. He enjoyed a 20-year career spanning Nigeria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad 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 behind a legacy in media education.

Olorogun Oskar Ibru

Industrialist and Chairman of the Ibru Organisation, Olorogun Oskar Eyovbirere Ibru, died on September 24, 2025, aged 67.

Ayo Adebanjo

Afenifere leader and elder statesman Ayo Adebanjo died peacefully on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96. A nationalist, lawyer and politician, he was a lifelong advocate for restructuring and true federalism.

Olusegun Akinremi (Chief Kanran)

Veteran Yoruba actor Olusegun Akinremi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, died on August 15, 2025. He was celebrated for his humour, elegance and commanding screen presence.

Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo

Former Kwara State governor, senator and minister Cornelius Adebayo died on June 25, 2025, aged 84. He served in several political roles across military and civilian administrations.

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 presided over the UN Security Council.

Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo died in December after collapsing at the Government House in Yenagoa.

Uma Ukpai

Renowned evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Uma Ukpai, died on October 6, 2025, aged 80, after more than five decades of ministry.

Christopher Kolade

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, aged 97. Known as the “Chairman of Chairmen,” his influence spanned healthcare, business and education.

Dahiru Usman Bauchi

Islamic scholar and leader of the Tijjaniyyah Sufi order, Dahiru Usman Bauchi, 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 Dozie

Entrepreneur Pascal Dozie died in April at the age of 85. He founded Diamond Bank and served as chairman of MTN Nigeria and Pan-Atlantic University.

Okey Ezea

Labour Party senator representing Enugu North, Okey Ezea, died in November during his first term in the 10th Senate.

Kayode Peters

Filmmaker, director and actor Kayode Peters died on June 28, 2025, in Toronto after a prolonged illness. He was a pioneer of modern Nigerian theatre 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.

Faith Omoboye

Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance. (BusinessDay)