Across Nollywood sets, music stages, newsrooms, and churches, 2025 was a year where we lost some of our own stars. These Nigerian celebrities who died in 2025 left behind works that shaped culture, memory, and everyday life. Some deaths came after long battles with illness, others were sudden, making the grief even heavier.
As we close the year on a deeply emotional and reflective note, here are 7 Nigerian celebrities who died in 2025, remembered for their craft, impact, and the lives they touched.
READ ALSO: Who Was Allwell Ademola? The Recently Deceased Nollywood Actress: Cause of Death, Movies, Biography 
7 Nigerian Celebrities Who Died in 2025
1. Allwell Ademola
Nollywood actress and producer Allwell Ademola died on December 27, 2025, at the age of 43. Her death sparked an outpouring of grief across social media, especially after fans revisited a video she posted just hours earlier, singing a prayer of survival and hope.
“In the name of Jesus, I will see the end of this year; this year will not see my end,” she sang.
Allwell is known for her warmth, strong screen presence, and Yoruba film roles, her passing remains painful for fans who watched her work and prayed in real time.
2. Columbus Irosanga
Veteran Nollywood actor Columbus Irosanga passed away on February 6, 2025. He was widely known for playing native doctor roles, and was also a senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt.
Hilda Dokubo described his death as “heavy,” especially for the UNIPORT creative community. In her words, “There can’t be a shortage of angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this na! This one is heavy on Uniport Rivers State Nollywood.”
3. Anike Agbaje Williams
Broadcast pioneer Anike Agbaje Williams died in Ibadan on February 27 at the age of 88.
She made history as the first face on African television in 1959 and the first voice on Africa’s first commercial radio station. Her legacy is foundational to Nigerian broadcasting.
4. Kayode Peters
Film and theatre producer Kayode Peters died on June 28 in Toronto, Canada, after battling illness. He was remembered as a mentor and a quiet force behind many stage and screen productions.
5. Olusegun Akinremi (Chief Kanran)
Veteran actor Chief Kanran died in August 2025. Known for his humour and commanding performances in Yoruba films and stage productions, his death was confirmed by Seun Oloketuyi.
6. Sanku (Adetola Samad)
Comedian and skit maker Sanku died on September 1 following a car accident along Ogbomoso Road in Oyo State. The accident also left several passengers injured, shocking fans who knew him for his laughter and light content, especially on TikTok.
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7. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu
Arise TV journalist Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu died on September 29 at age 29. She reportedly lost her life during an armed robbery attack at her residence, raising renewed concerns about safety.
Final Thoughts
2025 leaves behind work that will outlive its makers. These Nigerian celebrities may be dead, but their voices, stories, and influence remain etched in the country’s cultural memory. Gone, yes. But never forgotten.
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