Olusegun Ariyo
President Bola Tinubu has sent messages of condolence to the family, friends and associates of Dr. Doyin Okupe, who died on Friday.
Tinubu described Okupe as a medical doctor, politician, communicator and strategist who played a significant role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Okupe, who hailed from Iperu-Remo in Ogun State, served as President Goodluck Jonathan’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs and President Olusegun Obasanjo’s special assistant on media.
A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, noted that during his political career of over three decades, Okupe served as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC).
He was prominent in the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Accord Party, of which he was the national leader.
He was most recently the Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign for the 2023 election.
Okupe made notable contributions to the medical field as the co-founder of the Royal Cross Medical Centre, Lagos, and the publisher of Life Mirror, a health-focused newspaper.
Tinubu recalled that Okupe was a bold and articulate advocate for national development, expressing deep sorrow over his passing at a time when his wealth of experience and insight were still invaluable to the nation.
He also commiserated with the government and people of Ogun State, particularly the Iperu-Remo community, who have lost an esteemed son and leader.
The President recognized Okupe’s enduring impact on his home state and the deep void his passing leaves in the hearts of those who came in direct contact with him.
He prayed God to grant repose to the departed patriot’s soul and comfort all his loved ones.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has expressed sorrow over the passing of former presidential spokesman, Dr. Doyin Okupe, describing it as a personal loss.
In a statement released on Friday by his spokesperson, Lekan Adeniran, Abiodun paid tribute to Okupe’s contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape, describing him as a patriotic statesman and committed advocate for democracy.
Okupe’s death comes shortly after the demise of the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo.
The governor highlighted Okupe’s resilience during Nigeria’s military rule, his ability to maintain relationships across political divides, and his excellence in media and political communications.
Abiodun also acknowledged Okupe’s shifting political affiliations from the NRC to the PDP, Accord Party, and Labour Party while emphasizing his unwavering dedication to national progress.
Describing Okupe as an affable and principled figure, the governor noted his humility, respect in political discourse, and influential role in shaping public opinion.
He praised Okupe’s exceptional writing and public speaking skills, which he said solidified his legacy in Nigerian political communication.
Okupe’s death marks the loss of a significant voice in Nigeria’s political sphere, the governor concluded.
