Nigeria’s Political Gladiators That Died In 2024

The year 2024 began on a high note for illustrious Nigerians. However, the year was marked by the tragic deaths of influential figures in politics and military, leaving the nation in mourning.

Their deaths were a shock to the political landscape and the nation at large.

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As the year 2024 tickles to a close, EKO HOT BLOG compiled a list of politicians and other prominent Nigerians whose death sent shockwaves across the nation.

Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah

Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah (September 3, 1971 – July 27, 2024) was a renowned Nigerian politician, entrepreneur, and businessman. He served as the Senator representing the Anambra South Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate until his passing on July 27, 2024, in London, at the age of 52.

Ubah’s life was cut short just weeks before his 53rd birthday, which would have been celebrated on September 3.

COAS Taoreed Lagbaja

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Taoreed Lagbaja Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, died on November 5, 2024, just months after taking office, leaving a gap in Nigeria’s military leadership.

President Bola Tinubu announced the death of the army boss who passed away in Lagos in the late night of Tuesday, November 5, as a result of an undisclosed illness in Lagos.

He served as the Chief of Operations (Army) at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations before his appointment as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff on 19 June 2023.

Rotimi Akeredolu

Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was the governor of Ondo state. He died in Germany on Wednesday, December 27.

He was 67 years old.

It was gathered that State House doctors managed him up to his death because they could not fly him abroad.

He was born on July 21, 1956, in Owo to Reverend J. Ola Akeredolu of the Akeredolu family and Lady Evangelist Grace B. Akeredolu of Aderoyiju family of Igbotu, Ese Odo, in Ondo State.

Ogbonnaya Onu

Ogbonnaya Onu was the first civilian governor of Abia state. He was the minister of science and technology in the Muhammadu Buhari administration. He died in an Abuja hospital.

Born in Amata, Uburu, in present-day Ebonyi State, he was an academic before he became a politician. He earned a first class degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 1976, and a doctorate in the same discipline from the University of California, Berkeley, USA, in 1980. He taught in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of P

Onu’s death on April 11, aged 72, drew attention to the country’s political evolution, and the emergence of the APC, which remains the ruling party nearly a decade after it attained power.

Peter Kisira

Peter Kisira, a former deputy governor of Kwara State died at the age of 74.

He died on Saturday, March 30, 2024.

Kisira served as deputy to the former state governor, Abdulfattah Ahmed, from May 29, 2011, until May 29, 2019.

Oluyemi Akinremi

The House of Representatives suffered another notable loss on July 10, 2024, with the demise of Oluyemi Akinremi, a distinguished member representing the Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

His insightful contributions to legislative discussions and tireless advocacy on behalf of his constituents earned him widespread recognition and respect.

Isa Dogonyaro

The late Dogonyaro’s demise occurred roughly two months prior to the passing of another legislative colleague.

As a member of the House of Representatives, he proudly represented the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency in Jigawa State.

His affiliation with the All Progressives Congress, APC, underscored his commitment to public service. Dogonyaro’s untimely passing has left a significant void in his constituency, where his presence and contributions will be deeply missed.

Paul Akintelure

The Ondo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is in mourning following the sudden passing of Paul Akintelure, a prominent politician and gubernatorial aspirant.

Akintelure’s death occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, March 26, 2024, under circumstances that have raised eyebrows.

Just a month before the APC primary election, Akintelure had voiced concerns about threats to his life, citing both explicit and implicit dangers. His untimely demise has sparked worries and raised questions about the safety of political actors in the state.

Cairo Ojougboh

Earlier in 2024, the APC suffered a devastating loss with the sudden passing of Cairo Ojougboh, a distinguished party figure and former House of Representatives member.

Tragically, Ojougboh collapsed during the thrilling 2023 AFCON semi-final match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.

The incident occurred when South Africa was awarded a penalty against the Super Eagles, and Ojougboh sadly succumbed to his collapse. His untimely demise sent shockwaves through the party and beyond.

Ekene Adams

Adams’ life was tragically cut short at the tender age of 39. A member of the Labour Party, LP, and a first-time representative in the House of Representatives, he had already made a significant impact as the chairman of the House Committee on Sports.

His team remembered him fondly, describing him as a kind and gentle humanitarian, loved by all who knew him.

Paul Omotoso

The late Paul Omotoso, former APC chairman in Ekiti State, passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, after a long battle with health issues.

His health struggles began after he was released from captivity, following his abduction in July 2023 while traveling through Agbado Ekiti.

Although the APC publicity secretary, Segun Dipe, confirmed Omotoso’s passing, he did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding his death.