NIGERIA: Ex-Presidential Spokesperson, Doyin Okupe, Dies At 72

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Nigerian Former presidential spokesperson and seasoned political strategist, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has passed away at the age of 72.

His death was confirmed in the early hours of Friday, leaving the Nigerian political space mourning the loss of a prominent voice that shaped several administrations.

Okupe, a medical doctor turned politician, carved a niche for himself in Nigeria’s political landscape, serving as the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and later as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Born on March 22, 1952, Okupe’s career journey spanned across politics, medicine, and public advocacy.

Before his foray into government, he co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre, showcasing his passion for both medicine and community service.

His political roots also ran deep, having served as the National Publicity Secretary of the now-defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) during the aborted Third Republic.

Okupe’s political career was not without turbulence. During the military regime of General Sani Abacha, he was detained and subsequently barred from contesting in the primaries of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), highlighting the challenges faced by politicians under the junta.

In more recent times, Okupe emerged as the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign under the Labour Party (LP).

However, after falling out with the party and its presidential candidate, Okupe pivoted to become a vocal supporter of the President Bola Tinubu administration, showcasing his dynamic approach to political alliances.

A native of the prominent Agbonmagbe family of Iperu-Remo in Ogun State, Okupe’s legacy spans decades of active participation in Nigeria’s political development, earning him a reputation as a bold, sometimes controversial, yet deeply influential political communicator.