Since the start of 2024, Nigeria has witnessed the loss of several high-profile figures, spanning politics, entertainment, and the military.
Their deaths made headlines, sparking nationwide grief and an outpouring of tributes.
As the year draws to a close, here’s a look at some prominent Nigerians who died in 2024, leaving behind lasting legacies.
1) Herbert Wigwe, wife and son: The 57-year-old Access Bank CEO, his 56-year-old wife Doreen Chizoba Wigwe, and their 29-year-old son Chizi Wigwe were on board the ill-fated Eurocopter EC130 that crashed near Nipton, California, on Friday, February 9, 2024.
The crash also claimed the lives of former Nigerian Exchange Group Plc Chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo and two crew members.
The group was traveling on a chartered Orbic Air flight from Palm Springs International Airport to Boulder City, Nevada, en route to Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII.
The remains of Wigwe and his family were buried in his hometown in Isiokpo, Rivers State, on Saturday, 9 March, 2024.
2) Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu: The Ohaneze Ndigbo President-general and industrialist died on Thursday, July 25 at the age of 82 after battling with an undisclosed ailment.
The leader of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization was laid to rest on Friday, November 1 at his hometown in Umuohii, Ikeduru LGA of Imo State.
Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife, Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, many children and grandchildren.
3) Ifeanyi Ubah: The 52-year-old senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District in the National Assembly reportedly died of a cardiac arrest in London, on Saturday, July 27.
He was said to have departed Nigeria for the United Kingdom two days earlier on 25 July.
A close family source said he died in a hospital where he went for surgery.
The businessman-turned-politician was buried on Friday, November 22 at his family home in Umuanukam, Otolo Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He is survived by his wife Uchenna Ubah and their five children.
4) Onyeka Onwenu: The veteran singer passed away on July 30, 2024, after collapsing following a performance at the 80th birthday celebration of Stella Okoli, the CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, in Lagos State.
She was rushed to Reddington Hospital, where she was confirmed dead at the age of 72.
Before her death, Onwenu had expressed her wishes for her funeral in a 2021 opinion piece for Premium Times.
She requested that her burial be simple, private, and without unnecessary fanfare.
She preferred that any celebration of her life take place while she was still alive, so she could enjoy it with her friends.
The Ekwe singer was eventually laid to rest at the Ikoyi Cemetery, Lagos on 30th August, 2024 and is survived by her two sons, Tijani and Ibrahim Ogunlende.
5) Patience Umo Eno: The Akwa-Ibom state first lady died on 26th September, 2024, following an undisclosed illness.
Her remains were buried on Friday, 29th of November at the family’s hometown in Ikot Ekpene Udo in the Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of the state.
The philanthropist is survived by her husband Governor Umo Eno, their six children and nine grandchildren.
6) Lt. Gen.Taoreed Lagbaja: The 56-year-old Chief of Army Staff died in Lagos, on Tuesday, 5 November 2024 after a brief illness.
This followed speculation after he had not made a public appearance since September.
Lagbaja served as COAS since June 2023.
A week before his death, he was replaced in an acting capacity by Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.
He was buried on Friday 15, November 2024 at the National Cemetery in Abuja.
The army chief was also awarded a posthumous national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic by President Bola Tinubu.
He is survived by his wife, Mariya and their two children.
7) Mr Ibu: Veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor popularly known as Mr. Ibu passed away at Evercare Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62 due to cardiac arrest. He was laid to rest in his hometown on Friday, June 28, 2024.
8) Amaechi Muonagor: The Nollywood star and comedy legend died on March 24, 2024, at the age of 62, a few days after Mr Ibu’s death.
9) Junior Pope: The actor tragically passed away alongside three others after their boat capsized in the Anam River in Anambra State while returning from movie locations.
The incident happened on April 10, 2024, hours after Junior Pope shared a video of himself on a boat praying to arrive at his destination safely.
10) Ekene Abubakar Adams: The Labour Party lawmaker representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State died on 16th July at the age of 39.
11) Isa Dogonyaro: The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing the Garki/Babura federal constituency of Jigawa State died on May 10 in Abuja after an undisclosed illness.
