Dr. Doyin Okupe, a seasoned political strategist and former presidential spokesperson, has passed away at the age of 72. His death was confirmed on Friday, though details surrounding the cause remain unclear.
A key figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, Okupe served as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and later as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan. He was also the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign before stepping down due to a money laundering conviction.
Over the years, Okupe’s political career was marked by both influence and controversy. He played pivotal roles in shaping public discourse, often making headlines for his bold and unfiltered opinions. After leaving the Labour Party in 2023, he surprised many by becoming a vocal supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Beyond politics, Okupe was a trained physician and co-founded Royal Cross Medical Centre. He once served as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) and was a former governorship aspirant in Ogun State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His resilience saw him detained during General Sani Abacha’s regime and later disqualified from political primaries under the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP).
Okupe’s passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian politics, where he was both a respected strategist and a polarizing figure.
