President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has led tributes for a former presidential spokesman Doyin Okupe who died on Friday morning, describing the late politician as one who played “a significant role in Nigeria’s political landscape”.
Okupe died at 72 following a battle with illness.
In his tribute to the Ogun-born politician, Tinubu’s spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Okupe was “a bold and articulate advocate for national development” and expressed “deep sorrow over his passing at a time when his wealth of experience and insight were still invaluable to the nation”.
Onanuga in a statement said Tinubu commiserates with “the government and people of Ogun State, particularly the Iperu-Remo community, who have lost an esteemed son and leader”.
“He recognises Prince Okupe’s enduring impact on his home state and the deep void his passing leaves in the hearts of those who came in direct contact with him,” the statement read.
He Desired a Better Nigeria – Peter Obi
Okupe worked with Peter Obi who flew the Labour Party (LP)’s flag in the 2023 presidential election. He was the party’s presidential campaign Director-General but left.
Saddened by his death, Obi said the former LP chieftain was an “active figure in the nation’s political space and a man who desired a better Nigeria”.
Obi in a post on his X handle described his death as “a profound loss – not only to his family and loved ones but to all of us”.
“I would therefore like to urge members of the Obidient Movement and other groups to pray for the eternal repose of Dr. Okupe’s soul and to remember his family during these trying times,” the former Anambra State governor wrote.
He Loved The Nation – Labour Party
Meanwhile, the LP said it will miss Okupe’s charismatic leadership, according to the party’s national chairman Julius Abure.
A statement by the LP chair on behalf of the opposition party said the news of the death of its former DG was “sudden”.
Abure said “his active participation in the Labour Party’s push for the presidency in 2023 clearly revealed his inspirational and charismatic self as well as his statesmanship. He loved the nation and he believed that a new Nigeria was possible.
“Though he resigned his membership of the party last year based on principles, his fraternity with the party didn’t cease, and neither did he stop giving us invaluable advices. We cherished his short but impactful association with the party leadership. He was lively, energetic, honest, and creative; great virtues we will be missing in him,” the LP chief said.
“Certainly, Nigeria has lost an astute politician whose desire for a great nation was unquestionable. We believe that though he still has so much to offer this nation, death has brutally forced him to write the last chapter of his life. As is often said, death is a necessary end that must come when it must come, for Doyin, it was time to bid him a tearful farewell.”
A Personal Loss – Governor Abiodun
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has described the passing of Doyin Okupe Okupe as a “profound personal loss”.
“Receiving the news of the passing of my elder brother, Dr. Doyin Okupe has left me with a profound sense of personal loss, especially coming so soon after the transition of the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo Without a doubt, Dr. Okupe’s departure leaves a void that will not be easily filled,” the Ogun governor said in a statement.
“Beyond his political and professional engagements, Dr. Okupe was an affable, easy-going, and principled individual who, despite never flaunting his credentials, played a significant role in Nigeria’s resistance to military rule. Like many other democracy advocates, he endured detention and persecution under military regimes, standing firm in his convictions.
Governor Abiodun acknowledged Okupe’s fluid political journey, emphasizing that while his affiliations changed over time, his relationships with family, friends, and associates remained intact.
He said: “Although he shifted political alliances as situations evolved, aligning with the National Republican Convention (NRC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Accord Party, and the Labour Party, he never severed ties with his friends across political platforms. Even after the 2023 general election, he openly admired and aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s progressive vision.”
An accomplished politician and strategist, Okupe co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre and held key political positions, including National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC), Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo; Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan, and Publicist for Senator Bukola Saraki and Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Governor Abiodun noted that Okupe’s service in these diverse roles reflected his deep love for Nigeria and its people.
“Okupe was one of those rare politicians who could disagree without being disagreeable. He never used foul language, always remained respectful in discourse, and was quick to acknowledge his mistakes while bowing to superior arguments. Humility was his defining trait,” he said.
The governor added: “Although he trained as a medical doctor, Dr. Okupe excelled in media and political communications, serving as a spokesperson for various administrations. His writing and public speaking skills were exceptional, making him an influential voice in national discourse. His passion for journalism even led him to establish his own media outfit, further cementing his role as a thought leader in political communication.”
A Life Well Lived
Born on March 22, 1952, in Iperu Kingdom, Ogun State, Okupe had an illustrious academic and professional career. He attended St. Jude’s School, Ebute Metta, Lagos, Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos, and the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, where he trained as a medical doctor
He worked in both public and private hospitals, including St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos, before founding Royal Cross Medical Centre (also known as Royal Cross Hospital) in Obalende, Lagos, where he served as Managing Director (MD).
“Even in his later years, while battling health challenges, Dr. Okupe remained unwavering in his advocacy for a better Nigeria. Even as he faced health struggles and the frailties of age, Okupe never stopped championing the cause of national development. His voice will be deeply missed,” the governor added.
“Dr. Doyin Okupe’s dedication to public service, political strategy, and media communication will continue to inspire future generations. His contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape remain indelible, and his legacy as a patriot, statesman, and media strategist will be cherished.
Governor Abiodun consoled the family and prayed that the “Almighty God grants his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Adieu, dear brother. May your soul rest in eternal peace”.
