The year 2025 marked the passing of dozens of influential Nigerians, including politicians, religious leaders, business moguls, diplomats, academics, sports icons and more. From former President Muhammadu Buhari, to Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi to notable entrepreneur and banker Pascal Dozie, the year was defined by a series of losses across the country. Dateline Nigeria looks at 25 of the losses recording in 2025
Prof Nuhu Omeiza Yaqub
Prof Nuhu Omeiza Yaqub died on January 4, 2025 after a brief illness at a private hospital in Abuja. He was a Nigerian political science scholar. Born on March 3, 1951, he was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja from June 2004 to 2009 and later the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Sokoto State University.
Lt. General Jeremiah Useni
Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), retired Lt Gen Jeremiah Useni died on Thursday, January 23, 2025 after a protracted illness.
Born February 16, 1943, the late Useni served prominently in the Nigeria Army, including as Military Governor of the former Bendel State, Minister of Transport, Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army, and Minister of the FCT under General Abacha. In politics, he served as Deputy Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and was elected Senator for Plateau South Senatorial District in 2015 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Pa Ayo Adebanjo
Foremost leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, died on Friday, February 14, 2025 at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State.
Pa Adebanjo, a lawyer, a radical politician and a nationalist of Yoruba extraction was born in Isanya Ogbo, a village near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on April 10, 1928, to Chief Joel Adedairo Adebanjo and Salawatu Anomo Adebanjo.
He was a journalist before going to the United Kingdom to study law. After completing his studies, he was called to the English Bar in 1961.
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark
Foremost leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, died on Monday, February 17, 2025.
The Federal Commissioner for Information in the First Republic also served as senator in Second Republic.
Born on 25, May 1927, the Ijaw national leader who wielded influence during the Goodluck Jonathan presidency was also a philanthropist who founded the Edwin Clark Foundation and established a private university in his hometown in Delta State.
He worked with the administrations of the military governor Samuel Ogbemudia and Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon between 1966 and 1975.
Dr. Doyin Okupe
Former Presidential aide Doyin Okupe died on Friday, March 7, 2025 in Lagos, after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Okupe served as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and later as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
He was the Director-General of the Labour Party (LP) presidential campaign for Peter Obi in 2023. He resigned his membership of the LP in January 2024.
Okupe was born in Iperu, Ogun State on March 22, 1952. He earned his medical degree from the University of Ibadan in Oyo State.
Actress Nkechi Nweje
Nollywood actress Nkechi Nweje died on March 21, 2025, and was buried in her hometown of Onitsha, Anambra State, on May 23, 2025. She was 60 years old.
Nweje, who is survived by her husband, Dr. Azuibuike Nweje, and six children, was known for her compelling performances in Nollywood, particularly in motherly roles, and built a significant legacy in the industry.
She began her acting career alongside Kenneth Okonkwo in the movie “The Biggest Boy in Town”. Her notable films include “Royal War”, “Festival of Sorrow”, and “Coming Back from Congo”.
Dr Idris Abdulazeez Dutsen Tanshi
Popular Bauchi-based Islamic cleric, Dr Idris Abdulaziz Dutsen Tanshi, died late on Thursday, April 3, 2025 and was buried Friday, April 4, 2025 before Jumuah congregational prayer.
Nicknamed Dr Tauhid for his strict preaching on the oneness of Allah, he was bedridden throughout the month of Ramadan.
Born in 1957, he was the founder of Dutsen Tanshi Majlis Bauchi – an Islamic centre known for propagation of Sunnah, situated in the Bauchi metropolis.
Former Governor Omololu Olunloyo
Former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Victor Omololu Olunloyo, died in the early hours of Sunday, April 6, 2025. Born on April 14, 1935, Dr. Olunloyo was also a renowned mathematician and engineer
He held the traditional titles of Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife. He was the first Rector of both The Polytechnic, Ibadan and Kwara State Polytechnic, among several other notable appointments.
Pascal Dozie
Renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader Pascal Dozie died on April 8, 2025. He founded the now defunct Diamond Bank, served as chairman of MTN Nigeria and the Pan-Atlantic University.
Born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Dozie’s educational background included a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s in Administrative Science from City University in London.
He began his career as an economist at the National Economic Development Office in the United Kingdom and was also a part-time lecturer at the North Western Polytechnic, London.
Christian Chukwu
Former coach and captain of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Christian Chukwu, died on Saturday, April 12, 2025. As captain, he led the Super Eagles to the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations title.
He was part of the Nigerian national team that won bronze medals at the 1976 and 1978 Africa Cup of Nations in Ethiopia and Ghana, before leading the team to victory in Nigeria in 1980, where he was awarded the Most Valuable Player in the tournament.
Chukwu previously worked as coach of the Kenyan national football team (Harambee Stars) and in 2004 led the Super Eagles to the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
Prof Jibril Aminu
Professor Jibril Aminu, died on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Abuja. He was Minister of Education and later Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (1989–1992), Ambassador to the United States (1999–2003) and Senator representing Adamawa Central (2003–2011).
Born August 25, 1939, the celebrated cardiologist and medical scholar earned his medical degree from the University of Ibadan in 1965, where he graduated as the best student from the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. He obtained a PhD in Medicine from the Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London, in 1972.
He served as President of the OPEC Conference between 1991 and 1992.
Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais
Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, died on Friday, June 6, 2025, which coincided with Eid el-Kabir day.
Born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Uwais served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 to 2006.
As CJN, he had the distinct honour of swearing in Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the elected president on May 29, 1999.
He later chaired the 2008 Presidential Electoral Reform Committee, which was set up by the President Umaru Musa Yar’adua (late), following his controversial election in 2007. The Uwais committee produce a critical report that contained a detailed prognosis of Nigeria’s electoral system.
Aminu Alhassan Dantata
Billionaire Kano businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, died on June 28, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and was buried in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
Dantata was the founder of Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd. He was also the grand uncle of Africa’s richest person Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Born on May 19, 1931, Dantata was a scion of the influential Dantata family and son of Alhaji Alhassan Dantata, one of West Africa’s wealthiest merchants in the early 20th century.
Peter Rufai
Former Super Eagles captain and World Cup goalkeeper Peter Rufai, popularly known as Dodo Mayana, died on July 3, 2025 in a Lagos hospital.
The legendary Nigerian goalkeeper and shot-stopper won the 1994 African Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles and played at the 1994 and 1998 World Cup.
Born Aug. 24, 1963, Rufai represented Nigeria over the course of 17 years after making his international debut in December 1981. He earned 65 caps for Nigeria.
Oba Owolabi Olakulehin
Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, passed away on July 7, 2025, two days after his 90th birthday. The late traditional ruler was born on July 5, 1935.
A former officer the Nigerian Army, businessman, and public servant, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin ascended the throne in July 2024, a little over a year before his passing.
He joined the Nigerian Army in 1970, through a Direct Short Service Commission, as a 2nd Lieutenant, serving in the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers. He retired in 1979 as Major.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari
Nigeria’s former president (2015-2023) and one-time military ruler (1983-1985), Muhammadu Buhari, died on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at a hospital in London, United Kingdom.
Born on December 17, 1942, Buhari who headed the Petroleum Special Trust Fund (PTF) under late Head of State General Sani Abacha, won a historic election in 2015 against then President Goodluck Jonathan, after three unsuccessful attempts in 2003, 2007 and 2011. His administration focused on anti-corruption reforms, infrastructure development, and security.
Oba Sikiru Adetona
The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, died on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Born on May 10, 1934, the late monarch, who ascended the throne in 1960, was one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional rulers and widely revered for his contributions to the sociopolitical development of Ijebuland and Ogun State at large.
Under his reign, Ijebuland witnessed unparalleled cultural renaissance, infrastructural growth, and economic advancement.
He also played a leading role in elevating the Ojude Oba festival to global recognition, alongside his enduring commitment to education, health, and tradition, will remain a timeless legacy.
Chief Audu Ogbeh
Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh died on Saturday, August 9, 2025. He was a three-time minister: of Communications (1982), of Steel Development (1983) and of Agriculture (2015-2019)
Ogbeh, who was the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) between 2001 and 2005, later joined the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which then merged into the All Progressives Congress (APC)
Born in Otukpo on July 28, 1947, he contested for and won the election to the Benue State House of Assembly in 1979. He was elected Deputy Speaker, a position he held until February 1982.
Emir of Zuru Sani Sami
The Emir of Zuru and former Military Administrator of Bauchi State, retired Major General Mohammed Sani Sami, died on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at a hospital in London, United Kingdom.
Born on October 24, 1943 in Zuru, Kebbi State.
He joined the Army on 10th December 1962, and attended training courses with Ibrahim Babangida. He attended the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England and was commissioned on 25th July 1963.
Ex-IGP Solomon Arase
The former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, died on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at a hospital in Abuja.
Arase, who also served as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) from January 2023 to June 2024, was the 18th IGP between April 2015 and June 2016.
Born on June 21, 1956 in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase joined the Nigeria Police Force on 1 December 1981 and retired on 21 June 2016, having reached the mandatory retirement age of 60.
Solomon Ewuga
Late Solomon Ewuga, a former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State and Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, represented the Nasarawa North Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 2011 to 2015. He died at the age of 70 on September 23, 2025, in Cairo, Egypt, where he had travelled for medical treatment.
Prof Joy Ogwu
Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs and diplomat, Professor Joy Uche Angela Ogwu, died on Monday, October 13, 2025 at a hospital in New York, United States.
Born on August 22, 1946, in Delta State, Prof. Ogwu made history as the first woman to serve as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (2008 to 2017). She also held the office of Minister of Foreign Affairs (August 2006 to May 2007) under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Before entering government service, Ogwu was a distinguished academic and foreign policy expert. She began her career as a lecturer and researcher before becoming the first female Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA)
Dan Agbese
Renowned journalist, author and co-founder of Newswatch magazine Dan Agbese died on Monday, November 17, 2025 in Lagos.
Known for his sharp prose and decades-long practice of journalism in Nigeria, Agbese was born on May 12, 1944, in Agila, Benue State, and held degrees in Mass Communications and Journalism from the University of Lagos and Columbia University, New York, respectively. He was a former editor of The Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian newspapers, and General Manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi.
Some of his works include: “The Reporter’s Companion”, “Style: A Guide to Good Writing,” and “The Columnist’s Companion: The Art and Craft of Column Writing.”
Agbese is survived by his wife, Chief Rose Agbese, their six children and seven grandchildren. He is slated for burial in February 2026.
Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi
Renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi died in the early hours of Thursday, November 27, 2025.
The highly revered scholar, wh told the BBC Hausa Service that he was born on 29 June 1927, dedicated his life to Islamic teaching and scholarship.
Justice Ibrahim Muhammad Tanko
Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Ibrahim Muhammad Tanko GCON died on December 16, 2025 in a hospital in Saudi Arabia. He served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 2006 to 2022 and as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 until his resignation in June 2022. Born December 31, 1953 in Giade, Bauchi State, he was formerly a Justice of the Nigerian Courts of Appeal.
Addendum
There were also other popular Nigerians that died in 2025. They include former Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), David Shikfu Parradang, who died on March 4, 2025 at a hotel in Abuja; famous Kano industrialist and chairman of Mainsara & Sons, Nasiru Ahali, died on Thursday night, March 20, 2025 at a hospital in Kano at the age of 108; former Kwara State governor Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo died on June 25, 2025, at the age of 84. He also served as a senator and later as Minister of Communications and Transportation; Emir of Gusau in Zamfara State, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Bello (Sarkin Katsinan Gusau) died on Friday, July 25, 2025 at a medical facility in Abuja; and Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, died on Thursday, December 11, 2025, after slumping in his office.
