Former presidential aide Doyin Okupe has passed away at the age of 72.
His death was confirmed by family sources on Friday, with reports stating he died in the early hours of the day. Okupe was from Ogun State.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed his sorrow, calling the death a “personal loss.” In a statement, Governor Abiodun said, “The news of my elder brother Dr. Doyin Okupe’s passing has left me with a profound sense of personal loss, especially following the recent transition of the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo. Dr. Okupe’s departure has created a void that will not be easily filled.”
He further praised Okupe for his significant role in Nigeria’s struggle against military rule, highlighting that Okupe was a principled individual who, despite never flaunting his credentials, endured persecution and detention under military regimes.
Governor Abiodun extended his condolences to the Okupe family, praying for strength for them in the face of this irreparable loss.
Last year, Okupe spoke publicly about his battle with cancer, which he said caused significant weight loss. He shared his experience during an appearance on Channels Television’s *Political Paradigm*, explaining that chemotherapy had led to a loss of appetite and nausea, causing him to drop from 127kg to 97kg. After completing the chemotherapy, he regained some weight, reaching 103kg.
Okupe, a trained medical doctor, worked in healthcare before entering politics. He was a key member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and served as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012.
He later became the Director-General of the Labour Party’s presidential campaign in 2023 but left the party due to ideological differences.
Born in Iperu, Ogun State, Okupe attended St. Jude’s School and Igbobi College in Lagos, later studying medicine at the University of Ibadan.
