A Nigerian activist, Kingsley Obiekezie Aneke, has died at the age of 48 after battling a heart condition, leaving behind a self-written obituary that has sparked widespread reactions on social media.
Aneke passed away on December 5, 2025, following complications related to his long-term heart ailment. His obituary, which he authored before his death, was published on Facebook on December 23.
In the message, Aneke reflected on his years of advocating for a better Nigeria, lamenting what he described as systemic failures in the country’s healthcare sector. He said his health challenges worsened after his cardiologist relocated abroad due to the state of the nation’s health system.
He recounted that on November 24, 2025, he was admitted to a hospital that had managed his condition for years. However, when his condition became critical, efforts to refer him to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) were unsuccessful due to an ongoing strike. He was subsequently referred to private hospitals, where his family was reportedly required to make substantial financial deposits before treatment could commence.
According to Aneke, the situation reflected deeper governance and healthcare challenges facing the country. He criticised what he described as misplaced political priorities and called on Nigerians to confront poor governance, insecurity, and the declining state of public services.
In his final message, Aneke urged Nigerians not to remain silent in the face of systemic failures, expressing hope that his experience would serve as a wake-up call. He also advised people to prioritise regular medical checkups, healthy living, and early detection of illnesses.
“As I bow out, please continue the fight for a better Nigeria, not just for me, but for all who dream of a fair and just nation,” he wrote.
Aneke’s death has reignited conversations online about healthcare access, medical brain drain, and governance in Nigeria, with many describing his final words as a sobering reflection of the struggles faced by ordinary citizens.
