The year 2025 will be remembered in Nigeria not only for major political and social milestones, but also for the deep sense of loss following the deaths of many distinguished personalities.
From January to December, every sector of national life, politics, public service, traditional institutions, religion, media, sports, academia and the creative arts, was touched, as voices that once shaped policy, culture and community life fell silent, underscoring the fragility of life and the power of legacy.
As the year closes today, Nigerians reflect on the lives of elder statesmen, reformers, monarchs, icons and quiet achievers whose service spanned national and local spaces.
1. January
Rabi’atu Sifawa died on January 6, in a tragic house fire that also claimed the lives of her children and house help. She was the daughter of the Secretary to the Sokoto State Government, and her death drew widespread sympathy across the state.
Ajose Adeogun passed away on January 12. A veteran Lagos APC leader and former Head of Service, he was remembered for decades of public service and political commitment to Lagos State.
Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga died on January 15. She served as the Deputy Chief Whip of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, representing constituencies in Ogun State until her death.
Edna Ibru died on January 15. A former Miss Nigeria and one-time First Lady of Delta State, she was widely admired for her warmth and strong community presence.
Jeremiah Timbut Useni passed away on January 23. The retired lieutenant general was a former FCT minister and a notable political figure who also contested for governor.
Actor Asa Koko died on January 30, after a prolonged illness lasting over two years.
Ademola Ambode died on January 31. He was a Lagos grassroots political mobiliser and brother to former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
2. February
Actress Patience “Pat” Ugwu, popularly called “Sugar Girl,” died on February 5, at age 35. Known for roles in films like Lack of Money (2018) and Port-Harcourt Lady (2019), Ugwu was also a fitness coach and beauty entrepreneur.
Columbus Irosanga died on February 6. He was a senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt’s Theatre Arts Department, was known for portraying native doctors’ roles in movies.
Ayo Adebanjo died on February 14. The Yoruba nationalist and Afenifere leader was revered as an elder statesman and a strong voice for restructuring and democracy.
Solomon Ayodeji-Otegbola passed away on February 15. He was a seasoned public servant and PDP stalwart in Ogun State.
Chief Edwin Clark died on February 17. The influential Niger Delta leader was a relentless advocate for resource control and regional equity.
Tom Adaba passed away on February 22. A pioneer in Nigerian broadcasting, he served as the first Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission.
Anike Agbaje-Williams died peacefully on February 26, in Ibadan at 88. She made history as the first face and voice on African television and radio in 1959.
3. March
Doyin Okupe passed away on March 7. He was a former presidential spokesman and an experienced political strategist in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
Nkechi Nweje passed away on March 21. The Nollywood actress was remembered for her energetic performances and dedication to her craft.
Raphael Bassey passed away on March 29. He was an Akwa Ibom public servant noted for his advocacy in education development.
4. April
Yekini Adeojo died on April 4. The PDP chieftain was a prominent grassroots politician from Oyo State.
Omololu Olunloyo passed away on April 6. A former governor of Oyo State, he was also a respected mathematician and academic.
Pascal Dozie died on April 8. He was the founder of Diamond Bank and a pioneer of modern banking in Nigeria.
Christian Chukwu passed away on April 10. The former Green Eagles captain and coach remained one of Nigeria’s most iconic football figures.
Bolaji Olanrewaju died on April 19. A gospel singer and Pastor pass away at the age of 50 after a brief illness.
5. May
Kolade Akindayomi died on May 4. He was a religious leader known for his spiritual influence and community service.
Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade passed away in May. He served as a former military administrator and later as a minister in Nigeria.
6. June
Justice Daniel Dantsoho Abutu died on June 3, 2025. He was a retired jurist who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s legal system.
Jibril Aminu passed away on June 5. An accomplished academic, he served Nigeria as a senator and federal minister.
Mohammed Lawal Uwais died on June 6. The former Chief Justice of Nigeria was widely respected for judicial reforms.
Mike Ejeagha passed away on June 6. The highlife legend was revered as a custodian of Igbo musical heritage.
Solape Abolarin died on June 9. She was a passionate education advocate and community leader.
Jesutega Onokpasa passed away on June 9. He was a political commentator and prominent APC figure.
Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo passed away on June 25. He was a former governor and federal minister.
Kayode Peters, a filmmaker and producer died on June 28, in Toronto, Canada, after a long battle with illness.
7. July
Peter Rufai passed away on July 3. The former Super Eagles goalkeeper was an AFCON champion and Nigerian football icon.
Monday Sinclair died on July 16. He was a former footballer and coach who contributed to grassroots development.
Aminu Dantata died on July 28. The Kano-based businessman was widely respected for philanthropy and enterprise.
8. August
Dr Doyin Abiola died on August 5. She was a veteran journalist and former Managing Director of National Concord.
Audu Ogbeh passed away on August 9. The former minister and PDP chairman played key roles in Nigeria’s political history.
Muhammadu Buhari died on August 13. Nigeria’s former president and military leader left a lasting imprint on national governance.
Sikiru Kayode Adetona passed away on August 13. The Awujale of Ijebuland was one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning and most respected monarchs.
Olusegun Akinremi, better known as Chief Kanran, died on August 15. A veteran actor celebrated for his humor and commanding presence, left a decades-long legacy on stage and screen.
Isyaku Ibrahim passed away on August 18. He was a business leader and influential northern community figure.
Reginald Carroll died on August 24. He was known for his service in public administration.
Ahuja Bello passed away on August 25. The juju music maestro was a strong cultural voice in Nigerian music.
Solomon Arase died on August 30. The former Inspector-General of Police was recognised for police reforms.
9. September
Grace Adayilo died on September 1. She was a respected community advocate.
Leila Fowler passed away on September 6. She was known for humanitarian and education philanthropy.
Comedian Adetola Samad, known as “Sanku,” died on September 1, in a car accident in Oyo State.
Olorogun Oscar Ibru died on September 24. The businessman was a key member of the prominent Ibru family.
Arise TV anchor Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, affectionately called “Sommie,” tragically died on September 29, during an armed robbery at her Abuja home.
10. October
Uma Ukpai passed away on October 6. He was a renowned evangelist and interdenominational leader.
Christopher Kolade died on October 8. The diplomat and corporate statesman served Nigeria in public and private sectors.
11. November
Ifeoluwa Akindayomi died on November 2. He was an RCCG pastor and community leader.
Abdullahi Mohammed passed away on November 5. The retired major general also served as a senior civil servant.
Hajiya Saratu Shagari died on November 10. She was Nigeria’s former First Lady.
Dan Agbese passed away on November 17. The veteran journalist was widely respected for his fearless commentary.
Segun Awolowo died on November 20. He was an economist and former NEPC Director-General.
Bayo Osiyemi passed away on November 21. He was a journalist and Lagos political figure.
Nemuel Abubakar Babba died on November 24. He served as Archbishop Emeritus of the Lutheran Church.
Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun III died on November 28. He was a respected traditional ruler in Ondo State.
12. December
Prof. Abdulgafar Siyan Oyeweso died on December 2. He was a respected historian and scholar.
John Ajayi passed away on December 10. He was an education administrator.
Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo died on December 11. He was the deputy governor of Bayelsa.
Tunde Ponle passed away on December 14. The media executive was known for his journalism career.
Tanko Muhammad died on December 16. He served as Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Peter Nwaoboshi passed away on December 19. He was a former senator who represented Delta North.
Aminu Sa’ad Ungogo died on December 24. He was a respected Islamic cleric.
Sarki Aliyu Daneji passed away on December 24. The traditional ruler was known for civic leadership.
Allwell Ademola died on December 27. The Nollywood actress and producer reportedly passed away after a heart attack.
Credit: The Nation
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