- President Bola Tinubu paid tribute to Dr Doyin Okupe, remembering his impactful contributions to Nigerian politics and governance
- Governors Dapo Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed deep sorrow, acknowledging Okupe’s legacy in politics and healthcare
- Various political and social groups, including the Labour Party and Afenifere, mourned Dr Okupe’s passing, highlighting his lasting influence in Nigeria
The passing of Dr Doyin Okupe, former spokesperson to Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, has drawn an outpouring of tributes from across Nigeria.
Okupe, who was also the former Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, passed away in the early hours of Friday, 7th March 2025, at the age of 72.
Okupe was an influential figure in Nigerian politics, having served as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Obasanjo and as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Jonathan.
His contributions spanned over three decades, during which he also held key positions in various political parties, including the National Republican Convention (NRC), the United Nigeria Congress Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Accord Party, of which he was the national leader.
President Tinubu’s tribute to Doyin Okupe
In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu described Dr Okupe as a dedicated public servant who made significant contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Dr Okupe was a bold and articulate advocate for national development, His work in governance and political discourse will remain in our memories for many years to come. It is indeed a great loss that he passed away at a time when his experience and insight were still invaluable to the nation” Tinubu said.
The president also acknowledged Okupe’s contributions beyond politics, noting that he had made substantial strides in the medical field as a co-founder of the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Lagos and as the publisher of Life Mirror, a health-focused newspaper.
Peter Obi’s Tribute
Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate, also mourned Dr Okupe’s death.
In a statement, Obi said, “With great sadness, I received the shocking news of the passing of my dear elder brother, Dr Doyin Okupe. On behalf of the Obidient family and my own, I offer my deepest condolences. We will miss him dearly. I urge everyone to pray for the eternal repose of his soul and to support his family during this challenging time.”
Governor Dapo Abiodun reflects on Okupe’s legacy
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described Dr Okupe as a patriotic statesman and a committed member of the progressive political family.
He expressed a personal sense of loss, especially following the recent passing of Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo, the Alaperu of Iperu Remo.
“The news of Dr Okupe’s death has left me deeply saddened, His departure has created a void that will be difficult to fill. Beyond his political engagement, he was an affable, principled individual who played a significant role in Nigeria’s fight against military rule. Dr Okupe endured detention and persecution under military regimes, standing firm in his beliefs” Governor Abiodun said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu offers condolences
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also extended his condolences, calling Dr Okupe’s death a “great loss to Nigeria, and particularly to Ogun State.”
In a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the late Okupe’s significant contributions to Nigerian politics.
“As the chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, I extend my condolences to my colleague, Governor Dapo Abiodun, over the loss of one of Ogun State’s most influential political figures. Dr Okupe was well-known for his bold political stance and his unfiltered opinions on national matters. His contributions to both the Obasanjo and Jonathan administrations will be remembered.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also reflected on Okupe’s medical background, noting that he had made a lasting impact on Nigeria’s healthcare sector, particularly through his work at the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Lagos.
“Dr Doyin Okupe’s passing is a great loss to the nation. I pray that Almighty God grants him eternal rest and gives his family, friends, and associates the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” Sanwo-Olu further stated.
Afenifere and the Labour Party also described Okupe’s death as a big loss and hailed his legacy both in the medical field and in Nigerian politics.
12 things to know about Edwin Clark, Ijaw leader and political giant who died at 97
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Edwin Clark, a towering figure in Nigerian politics and an Ijaw leader, passed away on February 17 at the age of 97.
A staunch advocate for the Niger Delta, Clark championed resource control and economic development in the region. TheRadar compiled 12 facts about the elder statesman.
