President Bola Tinubu and other prominent Nigerians have mourned the passage of Dr Doyin Okupe, former spokesperson for former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
Okupe, who was also the former Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, passed away in the early hours of Friday, March 7, 2025, at the age of 72.
He was the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Obasanjo, and a Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Jonathan.
Tinubu, in a condolence message through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Okupe as a dedicated public servant who played significant roles in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The President noted that Okupe’s contributions to governance and political discourse would be remembered for years to come.
He described Okupe as a bold and articulate advocate of national development, lamenting that he died at a time when his wealth of experience and insight were still invaluable to the nation.
“During his political career of over three decades, Okupe served as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention. He was prominent in the United Nigeria Congress Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the Accord Party, of which he was the national leader.
“Okupe made notable contributions to the medical field as the co-founder of the Royal Cross Medical Centre, Lagos; and the publisher of Life Mirror, a health-focused newspaper,” Tinubu said.
Similarly, the presidential candidate of LP in 2023, Peter Obi, expressed his grief, describing Okupe as a passionate leader who believed in the country’s progress.
Obi highlighted Okupe’s efforts during the last general elections and praised his unwavering commitment to national development.
He said, “With great sadness this morning, I received the shocking news of the death of my dear elder brother, Dr. Doyin Okupe. On behalf of the family and the Obidient family, I sincerely mourn his passing.
“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.”
Paying tributes to Okupe, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said he remained a patriotic statesman and a committed member of the progressive political family until his final moments.
The governor said, “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.
“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.”
Abiodun acknowledged Okupe’s fluid political journey, emphasising that while his affiliations changed over time, his relationships with family, friends, and associates remained intact.
Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said Okupe was an accomplished politician and strategist known for his bold positions and unfiltered opinions on political and national issues.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile described Okupe as an accomplished politician and strategist who played an active role in Nigeria’s politics for over three decades.
“He (Okupe) was actively involved during the Third Republic as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention. He also served passionately as Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan, and Publicist for Senator Bukola Saraki and Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“Dr Doyin Okupe’s passing is a great loss to Nigeria, particularly the political class. I pray that Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family, friends, and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the governor said.
Also, the National Chairman of LP, Julius Abure, described Okupe as a great personality.
Abure recalled how the late Ogun State elder statesman first served as a placeholder for the party’s vice-presidential candidacy before he ‘honourably’ relinquished it with the understanding that such position should be zoned to the North.
He said, “Before joining Labour Party in 2022, Okupe had played key roles in Nigerian politics, having served as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention. However, his active participation in LP’s push for the 2023 presidency clearly revealed his charisma and statesmanship.
“Although he resigned his membership of the party last year based on principles, his fraternity with the party didn’t cease, neither did he stop giving us invaluable advice. We cherished his short but impactful association with the party leadership great virtues we will be missing in him.
“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.”
Also, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere described Okupe as a public servant and fearless advocate of progressive politics in Nigeria.
The group, in statement by its Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, noted that Okupe’s death was a profound loss to the nation and to all who knew him as a bold, articulate, and unwavering voice in the political landscape.
“Dr Okupe was a man of immense courage, intellect, and conviction. He played a significant role in shaping national discourse, offering his expertise and insight in service to multiple administrations. As a presidential spokesperson and adviser, he brought clarity and depth to governance, always standing firm in his beliefs, even in the face of opposition.
“A political strategist of remarkable dexterity, he navigated Nigeria’s turbulent political waters with resilience. His role in the 2023 elections underscored his adaptability, demonstrating a commitment to national progress beyond personal ambition. Even when confronted with challenges, he remained resolute, refusing to be silenced by adversity,” Afenifere said.
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