President Bola Tinubu and other prominent Nigerians have mourned the passage of Dr Doyin Okupe, former spokesperson for former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.

Okupe, who was also the former Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, passed away in the early hours of Friday, March 7, 2025, at the age of 72.

He was the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Obasanjo, and a Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Jonathan.

Tinubu, in a condolence message through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Okupe as a dedicated public servant who played significant roles in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The President noted that Okupe’s contributions to governance and political discourse would be remembered for years to come.

He described Okupe as a bold and articulate advocate of national development, lamenting that he died at a time when his wealth of experience and insight were still invaluable to the nation.

“During his political career of over three decades, Okupe served as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention. He was prominent in the United Nigeria Congress Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the Accord Party, of which he was the national leader.

“Okupe made notable contributions to the medical field as the co-founder of the Royal Cross Medical Centre, Lagos; and the publisher of Life Mirror, a health-focused newspaper,” Tinubu said.

Similarly, the presidential candidate of LP in 2023, Peter Obi, expressed his grief, describing Okupe as a passionate leader who believed in the country’s progress.

Obi highlighted Okupe’s efforts during the last general elections and praised his unwavering commitment to national development.

He said, “With great sadness this morning, I received the shocking news of the death of my dear elder brother, Dr. Doyin Okupe. On behalf of the family and the Obidient family, I sincerely mourn his passing.

“I would therefore like to urge members of the Obidient Movement and other groups to pray for the eternal repose of Dr Okupe’s soul and to remember his family during these trying times.”

Paying tributes to Okupe, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said he remained a patriotic statesman and a committed member of the progressive political family until his final moments.

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.

“Beyond his political and professional engagements, Dr. Okupe was an affable, easy-going, and principled individual who, despite never flaunting his credentials, 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.”




https://punchng.com/tinubu-govs-others-pay-tributes-as-ex-presidential-spokesman-okupe-dies/