Doyin Okupe, former spokesperson to ex-Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, has died at the age of 72. The seasoned politician passed away in the early hours of Friday in Lagos after a period of illness.
His death was confirmed by Jamiu Ashimi, Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, Ogun State.
“I just confirmed the tragic news of the passing of Dr. Doyin Okupe. May his soul rest in peace,” Ashimi stated.
Chief Michael Adesanya, the Asojuoba of Isara Remo and a close associate of Okupe, also corroborated the report, describing his demise as a significant loss to Ogun State and Nigeria’s political landscape.
Born in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, Okupe was a physician by training who ventured into politics and public service..
He co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre before transitioning into politics, where he served as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Obasanjo and later as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Jonathan.
Okupe’s political journey was characterized by both influence and controversy. In December 2022, he resigned as the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign after being convicted of contravening the Money Laundering Act.
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu found him guilty of accepting cash payments above the threshold allowed under the law without going through a financial institution.
The conviction led to his resignation from the Labour Party following the 2023 general elections.
Despite the legal setbacks, Okupe remained a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political discourse, frequently expressing his views on national issues.
In a surprising turn, he became a vocal supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and actively engaged in political debates and public commentary. Known for his unfiltered opinions and strategic acumen, Okupe’s insights were both controversial and influential in shaping public perception.
His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders and associates across the nation. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described Okupe’s passing as a huge loss.
“Okupe’s death is a personal loss. He was a committed leader who spoke his mind without fear,” the governor commented.
The late politician’s influence extended beyond the corridors of power, with a legacy that includes his role as the National Publicity Secretary of the defunct National Republican Convention and as a former governorship aspirant in Ogun State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His ability to navigate Nigeria’s complex political landscape with assertiveness earned him both admirers and critics.
