Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former Presidential spokesperson to both Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, has passed away at the age of 72.
Okupe, from Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government area of Ogun State, had been ill for some time and died in the early hours of Friday in Lagos. The news of his passing was confirmed by the Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, Jamiu Ashimi, who expressed his sorrow, saying, “I just confirmed the tragic news of the passing of Dr Doyin Okupe. May his soul rest in peace.”
A close friend of the late politician, Chief Michael Adesanya, the Asojuoba of Isara Remo, also confirmed his death, saying, “Dr Okupe has been confirmed to have died early Friday morning in Lagos.”
Career Highlights and Political Journey
Dr. Okupe was a seasoned politician and medical doctor. He served as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan. He also played a key role as the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign.
Despite his significant contributions to Nigerian politics, Okupe's career was not without controversy. In December 2022, he stepped down from Peter Obi’s campaign following his conviction for breaching sections of the Money Laundering Act. He was found guilty by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of accepting cash beyond the threshold allowed under the Act, without going through the proper financial channels.
After his resignation from the Labour Party post-2023 elections, he became an active supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and frequently contributed to political debates and commentary.
A Bold Political Figure
Okupe was known for his unfiltered opinions and bold political stances, making him a respected figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. In addition to his political career, he co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre and was the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention.
He had also made an attempt to run for governor of Ogun State under the Peoples Democratic Party.
Dr. Doyin Okupe’s passing marks the end of a distinguished yet controversial political career. He will be remembered for his pivotal role in Nigerian politics, his boldness, and his contributions to the nation’s development.
