Tinubu, Peter Obi, Gov. Abiodun, Afenifere mourn Doyin Okupe

President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of Doyin Okupe, a distinguished medical doctor, politician, communicator, and strategist who played a significant role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

A prominent son of Iperu-Remo in Ogun State, Okupe served as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan and as Special Assistant on Media to President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Over the course of his political career, which spanned more than three decades, Okupe held several notable positions, including National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC). He was also a key figure in the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Accord Party, of which he was the national leader.

Most recently, Okupe served as the Director-General of the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign for the 2023 election.

In addition to his political contributions, Okupe, a prince, made significant contributions to the medical field as the co-founder of the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Lagos and the publisher of *Life Mirror*, a health-focused newspaper.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Okupe as a bold and articulate advocate for national development. The President expressed deep sorrow over his passing, particularly as the late statesman’s wealth of experience and insight remained invaluable to the nation.

The President also extended his condolences to the government and people of Ogun State, especially the Iperu-Remo community, who have lost an esteemed son and leader. He recognised the enduring impact Mr. Okupe had on his home state and acknowledged the deep void his passing leaves in the hearts of those who knew him personally.

President Tinubu prayed that God would grant repose to the departed patriot’s soul and provide comfort to his family and all who mourn his loss.

Similarly, Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, expressed his shock at the death of his former campaign director-general, Doyin Okupe.

In a statement, Obi described Okupe as an active figure in Nigeria’s political space and a man who longed for a better Nigeria.

“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.

“Dr. Okupe was an active figure in the nation’s political space and a man who desired a better Nigeria. His death is a profound loss – not only to his family and loved ones but to all of us.

“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.

“May God Almighty, who called him home, grant him eternal rest and grant his family, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this sad and irreplaceable loss.

“May God Almighty bless his family always,” Obi said.

…Okupe’s death a deep personal loss — Gov Abiodun

Also in a statement, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has described the passing of Mr. Doyin Okupe as a profound personal loss.

Governor Abiodun noted that Mr. Okupe’s death came shortly after the loss of another esteemed figure, the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Adeleke Idowu-Basibo.

He paid tribute to Mr. Okupe’s lifelong service to Nigeria, highlighting that the late statesman remained a patriotic figure and a committed member of the progressive political family until his final moments.

In his statement, Governor Abiodun 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 Mr. Okupe’s evolving political journey, noting that while his affiliations changed over time, his relationships with family, friends, and associates remained steadfast.

“Although he shifted political alliances as circumstances 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,” the governor stated.

Describing Mr. Okupe as an accomplished politician and strategist, Governor Abiodun outlined the late statesman’s notable contributions, including co-founding the Royal Cross Medical Centre, and holding key political positions such as 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 former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Governor Abiodun remarked that Mr. Okupe’s service in these 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, Dr. 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.

…Okupe, a fearless advocate of progressive politics — Afenifere

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has described the death of the former presidential spokesperson, Doyin Okupe, as a profound loss to the country, particularly due to his ‘unwavering’ voice in the political landscape.

In a condolence message mourning the passing of the septuagenarian, Afenifere stated that Okupe was a fearless advocate for progressive politics in Nigeria.

The frontline Yoruba group, in a statement issued by its National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, described Okupe as a political strategist who navigated Nigeria’s turbulent political waters with remarkable resilience.

While acknowledging the late Okupe’s contributions to national development and his dedication to the democratic process, Afenifere emphasised that he was both intellectually gifted and courageous.

The statement read: “The Afenifere family mourns the passing of Dr. Doyin Okupe, a statesman, public servant, and fearless advocate of progressive politics in Nigeria. His death is a profound loss to the nation and to all who knew him as a bold, articulate, and unwavering voice in the political landscape.

“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.

“His voice, once a commanding presence in political affairs, will be sorely missed. He was a patriot in both word and deed, unafraid to challenge power while offering constructive counsel.

“Nigeria has lost a strong and independent thinker, a man who understood the weight of leadership and the responsibility of public service. His passing leaves a void, but his legacy will endure in the annals of our nation’s history. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who mourn him. May his soul find eternal rest.”