Doyin Okupe, a seasoned political determine and former spokesperson to 2 Nigerian presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, handed away on March 7, 2025, on the age of 72.
His dying marks the top of a profession that spanned politics, media, and drugs, shaping public discourse in Nigeria for many years.
A life devoted to service
Born in Iperu, Ogun State, Okupe’s journey into public service was not a straight path. He first skilled as a medical physician, attending St. Jude’s Faculty, Igbobi School, and later, the College of Ibadan.
His early profession noticed him working at St. Nicholas Hospital earlier than co-founding the Royal Cross Medical Centre, the place he served as Managing Director.
Regardless of his background in drugs, politics ultimately turned his calling. In 1983, he took his first shot at public workplace, contesting for a seat within the Home of Representatives beneath the now-defunct Nationwide Get together of Nigeria (NPN). Although unsuccessful, his involvement in politics deepened, resulting in a sequence of appointments that positioned him as certainly one of Nigeria’s most acknowledged political voices.
A distinguished political communicator
Okupe’s capacity to navigate Nigeria’s political panorama earned him key roles beneath a number of administrations. He was the Nationwide Publicity Secretary of the Nationwide Republican Conference (NRC) within the Nineteen Nineties and later served as Particular Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo.
His affect continued to develop, resulting in his appointment as Senior Particular Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012.
Past authorities service, he performed a central position in shaping political campaigns. He was instrumental within the election methods of figures like Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Atiku Abubakar, Bukola Saraki, and Peter Obi. His deep understanding of Nigerian politics and sharp media expertise made him a sought-after strategist.
Challenges and controversies
Like many political figures, Okupe confronted his share of challenges. Beneath Normal Sani Abacha’s regime, he was detained in 1996. In 2012, he was investigated by the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee (EFCC) over contracts in Imo and Benue states.
Regardless of these hurdles, he remained lively in politics, switching affiliations between the Peoples Democratic Get together (PDP), Accord Get together, and Labour Get together through the years.
In 2023, he was initially named Peter Obi’s operating mate for the Labour Get together earlier than stepping down when a remaining vice-presidential candidate was chosen. Even after leaving the place, he remained a vocal supporter of Obi’s presidential bid.
Private Life and Legacy
Okupe was married to Aduralere Okupe, and so they had two youngsters collectively. He was additionally one of many Nigerians who contracted and survived COVID-19 in 2020. His resilience, each in politics and in life, outlined his profession.
His passing in March, the identical month he was born, closes the chapter on a person who devoted a lot of his life to public service. Although his profession had ups and downs, his affect on Nigerian politics stays simple.
