By Salif Atojoko
Abuja, March 7, 2025
President Bola Tinubu on Friday extended his condolences to the family, friends and associates of Prince Doyin Okupe, a medical doctor and politician, who died on Friday at 72.
Tinubu described Okupe as a bold and articulate advocate for national development, expressing sorrow over his death at a time when his wealth of experience and insight were still invaluable to the nation.
The President commiserated with the government and people of Ogun, particularly the Iperu-Remo community, who lost an esteemed son and leader, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.
He recognised Okupe’s enduring impact on his home state and the deep void his passing left in the hearts of those who came in direct contact with him.
Okupe served as President Goodluck Jonathan’s Senior Special Assistant on public affairs and President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media.
“During his political career of over three decades, Okupe served as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC).
“He was prominent in the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Accord Party, of which he was the national leader,” said the President.
He, however, said he did not have any information about the cause of his death.
“Yes, it is true that he passed away. He died overnight at a hospital in Lagos.
“On the cause of his death, I do not know any thing about that. All I know is that he has passed away.
“His death is a rude shock to all of us. He was a fantastic man, he will be sorely missed,” he said.
On the delay in the confirmation of the late politician’s death by family members, Banwo said it was expected as all his children were out of the country.
“However, I can confirm to you that they are on their way back to the country to give other details about his death,” he said.
Okupe was also a former Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign.
The politician was also a vocal supporter of President Bola Tinubu and his reforms, granting many media interviews to express his admiration for Tinubu and support for his agenda for the country, months before his death.
He, however, declined an interview request by the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in January, citing his failing health.
