A former presidential spokesman and ex-chieftain of Labour Party, Dr Doyin Okupe, is dead.
He was 72 years old.
Okupe died Friday morning at an undisclosed private hospital in Lagos.
The cause of his death was however not known.
Confirming his death on Friday, the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the passing of Okupe as a profound personal loss.
In a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lekan Adeniran, the governor paid tribute to Okupe’s lifelong service to Nigeria, noting that he remained a patriotic statesman and a committed member of the progressive political family until his final moments.
Reflecting on Okupe’s passing, Governor Abiodun expressed his deep sorrow.
He 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.”
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.”
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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 the 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.
“Although he trained as a medical doctor, 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,” he added.
