Doyin Okupe, a former presidential aide, has passed away at the age of 72.
Family sources confirmed his death to The Telegraph on Friday, stating that he died in the early hours of the day. Okupe, who hailed from Ogun State, was widely recognized for his contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed his deep sorrow over Okupe’s death, describing it as a “personal loss.” In a heartfelt tribute, the governor said, “Receiving the news of the passing of my elder brother, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has left me with a profound sense of personal loss, especially coming so soon after the transition of the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo. Without a doubt, Dr. Okupe’s departure leaves a void that will not be easily filled.”
Governor Abiodun further praised Okupe’s character and dedication, saying, “Beyond his political and professional engagements, Dr. Okupe was an affable, easy-going, and principled individual. Despite never flaunting his credentials, he played a significant role in Nigeria’s resistance to military rule. Like many other democracy advocates, he endured detention and persecution under military regimes, standing firm in his convictions.”
The governor offered his condolences to Okupe’s family and prayed for the fortitude to endure this “irreparable loss.”
Last year, Okupe opened up about his battle with cancer, revealing that the illness led to significant weight loss. He explained, “The first issue was cancer, and the chemotherapy caused me to lose my appetite, experience nausea, and lose weight. I started chemotherapy at 127kg, and eventually dropped to 97kg. After chemotherapy ended, I regained some weight, reaching 103kg.”
Before his political career, Okupe was a medical doctor. He worked as a health practitioner before transitioning into politics, where he became a prominent figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In 2012, he was appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs.
In the 2023 general election, Okupe served as the Director-General for the Labour Party (LP) presidential campaign. Despite his instrumental role in the campaign, he later left the party, citing ideological differences.
Okupe was born in Iperu, Ogun State, and received his early education at St. Jude’s School and Igbobi College in Lagos. He later attended the University of Ibadan in Oyo State, where he studied medicine.
