Nigeria is one nation that has had its justifiable share of leaders from army rulers to democratically elected presidents. Over time, a few of these males who as soon as held the reins of energy have handed on however we are able to all agree that their lives, actions, and legacies proceed to form Nigeria’s historical past.
With the latest passing of Muhammadu Buhari, the record of Nigeria’s late heads of state grows longer, and right here’s a have a look at the Nigerian heads of state who’ve died, and the influence they left behind.
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1. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
Nigeria’s first and solely Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa, was a revered statesman identified for his calm diplomacy and nationalist spirit. He was overthrown and tragically killed in the course of the first army coup on January 15, 1966. His loss of life marked the start of a turbulent army period in Nigeria’s political historical past.
2. Main Basic Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi
Aguiyi-Ironsi grew to become Nigeria’s first army Head of State after the 1966 coup. Nevertheless, his reign was short-lived. He was overthrown and assassinated in a counter-coup on July 29, 1966, simply months after taking workplace. His loss of life additional deepened ethnic tensions within the nation.
3. Basic Murtala Mohammed
Murtala Mohammed is remembered as a daring and reform-minded chief. He got here to energy in 1975 after overthrowing Basic Yakubu Gowon. Sadly, his time in workplace was reduce quick when he was assassinated in a failed coup try on February 13, 1976. His legacy lives on in insurance policies and establishments, together with the renaming of Lagos Worldwide Airport in his honour.
4. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe
Broadly referred to as “Zik of Africa,” Nnamdi Azikiwe was Nigeria’s first and solely ceremonial President, serving from 1963 to 1966 after the nation grew to become a republic.
A number one determine in Nigeria’s independence motion, Azikiwe was overthrown in the course of the army coup of 1966 however remained an influential statesman and nationalist voice for many years. He handed away on Might 11, 1996, on the age of 91.
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5. Basic Sani Abacha
One of the vital controversial figures in Nigeria’s political historical past, Abacha dominated with an iron fist from 1993 till his sudden loss of life in 1998. He died below mysterious circumstances on June 8, 1998, whereas nonetheless in workplace. His rule was marked by human rights violations, but in addition by important financial reforms and infrastructure improvement.
6. President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua
Yar’Adua grew to become president in 2007 and was identified for his quiet management and efforts to reform the Niger Delta. Sadly, he battled a long-term illness and died in office on May 5, 2010, changing into Nigeria’s first civilian president to die whereas nonetheless serving. His loss of life paved the best way for Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency.
7. President Shehu Shagari
Nigeria’s first government president below the Second Republic, Shehu Shagari dominated from 1979 till he was overthrown by a army coup in 1983. He lived a comparatively quiet life after leaving workplace and passed away on December 28, 2018, at the age of 93. His presidency is remembered for the Inexperienced Revolution and makes an attempt at financial restructuring.
8. Chief Ernest Shonekan
Shonekan briefly led Nigeria as Head of the Interim Nationwide Authorities from August to November 1993 following the annulled June 12 election. His tenure lasted simply 83 days earlier than he was eliminated by Basic Sani Abacha. Regardless of the quick keep in workplace, Shonekan’s function throughout a politically tense interval stays notable. He died on January 11, 2022, at the age of 85.
9. President Muhammadu Buhari
Former army ruler turned democratic president, Muhammadu Buhari served as Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and returned as an elected president from 2015 to 2023. He died on July 13, 2025, and was buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, on July 15.
His management spanned many years of Nigeria’s evolving democracy and safety challenges, and his passing marked the tip of an period.
These leaders formed Nigeria’s journey by way of good, turbulent, and hopeful instances. Whether or not they died in workplace or lengthy after leaving energy, we won’t deny their influence within the story of Nigeria.
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