Former Presidential Spokesman Doyin Okupe Passes At 72

Nigerian politician Doyin Okupe, a former medical doctor who transitioned into politics and worked under two Nigerian presidents, has passed away at the age of 72. Reports indicate that he had been battling a serious illness, suspected to be cancer.

A close friend of the late physician, Akin Osuntokun, confirmed to BusinessDay that the former aide to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo is “dead.” Okupe, who served under the administrations of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, had been suffering in a serious battle with prostate cancer over the past few years. He was hospitalized in October 2023 and sought treatment in Israel, but his condition did not improve as expected. After a long struggle with the disease, he succumbed to the illness.

Early Life and Medical Career

Adedoyin Ajibike Okupe, commonly known as Doyin Okupe, was born on March 22, 1952, in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, to Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe. He received his early education at St. Jude’s School in Lagos and later attended Igbobi College before pursuing a degree in medicine at the University of Ibadan.

As a trained medical practitioner, Okupe co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Lagos in 1983, where he played a pivotal role in advocating for public health initiatives. His career in medicine laid the foundation for his later involvement in national affairs, combining healthcare expertise with politics.

Political Career

Okupe ventured into politics under the National Republican Convention (NRC), serving as the party’s national publicity secretary. He later became a spokesperson for former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In 2012, then-President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, a role in which he became well-known for his articulate defense of government policies.

In 2022, he was appointed as the Director-General of the Labour Party’s presidential campaign for Peter Obi’s 2023 election bid. However, in December 2022, he stepped down from the role following a court ruling that convicted him of money laundering. Despite his initial affiliation with the Labour Party, Okupe later distanced himself from the movement and became associated with President Bola Tinubu, often expressing support for his administration.

A Legacy Riddled With Corruption Allegations

In December 2022, Okupe was found guilty of violating money laundering laws after receiving over 200 million naira in cash from former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki. The court sentenced him to two years in prison with an option to pay a fine of 500,000 naira for each of the 26 counts (a total of 13 million naira), which he later paid. Earlier in 2012, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had also probed him over unexecuted contracts in Benue and Imo states.

President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Doyin Okupe, describing him as a seasoned medical doctor, politician, and strategist who made significant contributions to Nigeria’s political and healthcare sectors. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to Okupe’s family, friends, and associates, acknowledging his impactful role in shaping national discourse.

“President Tinubu recalls Dr. Okupe as 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,” the statement read.

Okupe’s former political ally, Peter Obi, also paid tribute to him. In his condolence message, Obi recognized Okupe as an active figure in Nigeria’s political landscape 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,” Obi stated. He also urged members of the Obidient Movement, a group Okupe was once affiliated with, to pray for the eternal repose of his soul and to support his family during this difficult time.

Dr. Doyin Okupe will be remembered by many for his multifaceted legacy—one that spans an illustrious career in medicine, a political journey marked by shifting alliances, and a reputation tainted by allegations of corruption.