The year 2025 stands out as a deeply emotional period in Nigeria’s national life, marked by the passing of towering personalities whose influence cut across religion, politics, business, and social advocacy. Their deaths triggered waves of mourning, prayers, tributes, and reflections across the country, reminding Nigerians of the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of service.
From the pulpit to the political arena, from boardrooms to grassroots activism, these men helped shape conversations, institutions, and values that defined their eras. As the nation paused to honor them, their legacies became a mirror through which Nigerians assessed the past and contemplated the future. Below is a memorial account of some prominent Nigerians who passed away in 2025, highlighting the dates of their demise and the roles they played in national life.
Alhaji Aminu Dantata
Date of Death: June 28, 2025
Profile: Business Mogul and Philanthropist
Alhaji Aminu Dantata, one of Nigeria’s most influential businessmen and philanthropists, died on June 28, 2025. A patriarch of the renowned Dantata family, he was widely respected for his vast contributions to commerce, industry, and charitable causes across Northern Nigeria and beyond. His business acumen helped shape indigenous enterprise, while his philanthropy touched education, healthcare, and religious institutions. His death marked the end of an era in Nigerian business history.
Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi
Date of Death: November 27, 2025
Profile: Renowned Islamic Scholar and Tijjaniyya Leader
The respected Islamic scholar and spiritual leader, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, passed away on November 27, 2025, at the age of 98. As a leading figure of the Tijjaniyya Islamic movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Bauchi dedicated his life to Islamic scholarship, preaching tolerance, moral discipline, and peaceful coexistence. His death drew massive crowds of mourners, reflecting his profound influence on religious life and education across generations.
Sheikh Idris Abdulaziz Dutsen-Tanshi
Date of Death: 2025
Profile: Islamic Cleric and Teacher
Sheikh Idris Abdulaziz Dutsen-Tanshi, a respected Islamic cleric known for his sermons and teaching, also passed away in 2025. Revered for his commitment to religious instruction and community guidance, he played a significant role in shaping Islamic thought among his followers. His passing was mourned widely within religious circles, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON
Date of Death: February 17, 2025
Profile: Elder Statesman and Niger Delta Leader
Chief Edwin Clark, a foremost elder statesman and outspoken advocate for the Niger Delta, died on February 17, 2025, at the age of 97. A former federal commissioner and founding leader of influential socio-political groups, Clark was a relentless voice for equity, resource control, and national unity. His legacy as a fearless advocate for minority rights remains deeply etched in Nigeria’s political history.
General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR
Date of Death: July 13, 2025
Profile: Former Military Head of State and President
Former Nigerian leader Muhammadu Buhari died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82. Buhari served Nigeria both as a military head of state and as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. His leadership was defined by a strong anti-corruption stance, efforts at institutional reform, and intense national debates over security and governance. His death prompted nationwide mourning and state honors, reflecting his significance in Nigeria’s modern political journey.
Dr. Doyin Okupe
Date of Death: March 7, 2025
Profile: Physician, Political Strategist, and Presidential Aide
Dr. Doyin Okupe passed away on March 7, 2025, at the age of 72. A medical doctor turned politician, Okupe was a prominent presidential spokesman and political strategist, serving under multiple administrations. Known for his articulate defense of government policies and his role in shaping political communication, he remained an influential voice in Nigeria’s democratic space until his death.
A Year Remembered
In losing these men, Nigeria lost reservoirs of experience, conviction, and leadership. Yet, their ideas, institutions, and contributions endure — in businesses they built, communities they guided, policies they shaped, and values they championed. As 2025 is etched into history as a year of national mourning, it is also remembered as a reminder that true legacy lies in service beyond self.
