Doyin Okupe Dies at 72: From Political Powerhouse to Convicted Ex-Spokesman

Dr. Doyin Okupe, a seasoned Nigerian politician and former presidential spokesperson, passed away in the early hours of Friday at a private hospital in Lagos.

He was 72 years old. Family sources confirmed that he succumbed to a prolonged battle with cancer, a disease he had been fighting for over a decade. His passing marks the end of a distinguished career spanning medicine, politics, and public service.

Okupe is survived by his wife, Aduralere Okupe, and their two children, Bolu Okupe and Ditan Okupe. He leaves behind a wide network of family, friends, and political associates who mourn the loss of a bold and influential voice in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Born on March 22, 1952, in Iperu, Ogun State, Okupe was the son of Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe, a banker. He pursued a medical career, earning his degree from the University of Ibadan after attending St. Jude’s School in Lagos and Igbobi College. A trained physician, he co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Lagos, where he served as Managing Director, blending his medical expertise with entrepreneurial vision.

Okupe’s transition into politics showcased his ambition and adaptability. His political journey began in the 1980s when he contested a House of Representatives seat under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1983. During Nigeria’s aborted Third Republic, he became the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

Despite being detained under General Sani Abacha’s military regime and disqualified from the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) primaries, Okupe remained a formidable political force.

He rose to national prominence as President Olusegun Obasanjo‘s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity and later as President Goodluck Jonathan‘s Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs. Known for his outspoken nature and strategic communication skills, Okupe was a polarizing figure, admired by allies and criticized by opponents.

In 2022, Okupe was appointed Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign under the Labour Party. However, his tenure was short-lived due to a money laundering conviction in December 2022, leading to his resignation from the campaign. He was sentenced to two years in prison with an option of a ₦13 million fine, which he opted to pay. By January 2024, he formally resigned from the Labour Party, citing ideological differences.

In a surprising turn, Okupe became a vocal supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration after the 2023 elections, engaging in political discourse until his health declined.

Okupe was first diagnosed with prostate cancer 16 years ago, and his health struggles intensified in recent years, compounded by sarcoma in his right shoulder. In October 2023, he sought treatment in Israel, but his condition continued to deteriorate.