Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesperson to ex-Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, has died at the age of 72. The seasoned politician and medical doctor passed away in the early hours of Friday, March 7, 2025, in Lagos after a brief illness.
Okupe, a native of Iperu-Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, was confirmed dead by the Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, Jamiu Ashimi. Speaking to newsmen, Ashimi expressed deep sadness over the loss, saying, “I just confirmed the tragic news of the passing of Dr Doyin Okupe. May his soul rest in peace.”
Okupe’s political career spanned decades, earning him a place as one of Nigeria’s most outspoken political figures. He served as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and later as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
In 2023, Okupe briefly led Peter Obi’s presidential campaign under the Labour Party before stepping down following his conviction for breaching sections of the Money Laundering Act. Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu found Okupe guilty of accepting cash payments above the legal threshold without passing through financial institutions.
Despite his legal troubles, Okupe remained a vocal figure in Nigeria’s political scene, switching allegiance to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and often engaging in political debates and commentaries.
Okupe was widely known for his bold political stance and unfiltered opinions, navigating Nigeria’s complex political landscape with ease. Beyond politics, he co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre and once served as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) during the Third Republic.
The late politician was also a former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, further cementing his legacy as a prominent political figure.
His death marks the end of an era for Nigerian politics, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, controversy, and unwavering service to the nation.
May his soul rest in peace.
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