Former Presidential Spokesman Doyin Okupe Passes Away at 72
Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former presidential aide and prominent political figure, has passed away at the age of 72. Family sources confirmed his death to Channels Television on Friday, revealing that he died in the early hours of the day. Okupe, a medical doctor by profession, hailed from Iperu in Ogun State and had been battling cancer, a condition he publicly disclosed last year.
A Life of Service and Advocacy
Okupe’s death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described the loss as a “personal loss” and praised Okupe’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and public service.
“Receiving the news of the passing of my elder brother, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has left me with a profound sense of personal loss,” Abiodun 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.”
The governor extended his condolences to the Okupe family and prayed for the strength to bear the loss.
Battle with Cancer
In 2023, Okupe opened up about his battle with cancer, revealing that the condition and subsequent chemotherapy had significantly impacted his health. Speaking on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, he shared how the treatment led to weight loss and other challenges.
“It’s part in part, the first problem was cancer I had, and the chemotherapy makes you lose appetite, you have nausea, and even as you sustain for several months, you lose weight,” Okupe said. “When I started chemotherapy, I was 127kg, and then I came down to 97kg… the chemotherapy ended, and I went back to 103kg.”
A Distinguished Career
Okupe’s career spanned medicine, politics, and public service. After graduating from the University of Ibadan with a degree in medicine, he worked as a health practitioner before venturing into politics. He became a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and served as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012.
In the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, Okupe played a pivotal role as the Director-General of the Labour Party (LP) presidential campaign. However, he later left the party, citing ideological differences.
Legacy and Impact
Born in Iperu, Ogun State, Okupe attended St. Jude’s School and Igbobi College in Lagos before pursuing his medical degree. Throughout his life, he remained a vocal advocate for democracy and good governance, earning respect for his resilience and commitment to Nigeria’s development.
Okupe’s passing leaves a void in Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly among those who admired his courage, intellect, and dedication to public service. His contributions to the fight against military rule and his efforts to promote democratic ideals will be remembered as part of his enduring legacy.
Tributes and Condolences
As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and political associates. Many highlighted his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress and his ability to bridge divides in the pursuit of national unity.
The Okupe family has yet to announce funeral arrangements, but it is expected that his final rites will be held in his hometown of Iperu, Ogun State.
A Nation Mourns
Dr. Doyin Okupe’s death marks the end of an era for Nigerian politics. His life and work serve as a testament to the power of resilience, advocacy, and service. As the nation mourns his passing, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations to strive for a better Nigeria.
