Tributes have been pouring in for the late Dr. Doyin Okupe who died in a Lagos hospital on Friday morning.
The former presidential aide was 72 and battled a protracted illness thought to be cancer.
The physician-turned-politician was the Director-General of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign but stepped down over a previous graft allegation.
President Bola Tinubu commiserated with the government and people of Ogun State, where Okupe hailed, over the loss of their esteemed son and leader.
In a statement signed by his special adviser, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the late Okupe as a bold and articulate advocate for national development, expressing deep sorrow over his passing at a time when his wealth of experience and insight were still invaluable to the nation.
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
— Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) March 7, 2025
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS PRINCE DOYIN OKUPE
President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and associates of Prince Doyin Okupe, a medical doctor, politician, communicator and strategist who played a significant role in… pic.twitter.com/7LYHyhZgWv
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, described Okupe's death as “a profound loss” to his family, loved ones and the nation at large.
Obi said Dr. Okupe was a man who desired a better Nigeria. He also urged members of the Obidient Movement and other groups to pray for the repose of his soul.
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.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) March 7, 2025
Dr. Okupe was an active figure in the nation’s political space and a man who… pic.twitter.com/QyJBaSXZNs
Politician and businessman, Ben Murray-Bruce expressed his sadness at Okupe's death.
I am so saddened by the loss of my dear friend, Doyin Okupe. A brilliant mind and kind soul gone too soon. My deepest condolences to his family. May his gentle soul Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/7VHgrxzodm
— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) March 7, 2025
One-time Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani Kayode said he was heartbroken to hear of Dr. Okupe’s passing. He noted that the deceased fought a good fight and brought grace and honor to everything he did.
For Ilemona Onaja on X, he held the late physician-turned-politician in high regard even when they disagreed.
Gutted to read about Dr Doyin Okupe's passing away. He was one of the first people to give me a break in life and I've always truly valued his person, even when we disagreed.
— Ilemona (@I_Am_Ilemona) March 7, 2025
Other 'Obedients' mourned him in a series of posts on X.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Doyin Okupe, former Director General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organization.
— Nana Sani Kazaure (@NanaKazaure) March 7, 2025
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/y9kLtWRceS
Dr. Okupe previously served as President Goodluck Jonathan's Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs and President Olusegun Obasanjo's Special Assistant on Media.
In the aborted Third Republic, the late Doyin Okupe was the National Publicity Secretary of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC). He was once detained under the General Sani Abacha regime, and subsequently disqualified from participating in the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) primaries.
