Tinubu, Obi mourn passing of Doyin Okupe

Abdullateef Fowewe

President Bola Tinubu and the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Ob, have mourned the demise of former presidential spokesperson, Doyin Okupe, who died on Friday, at the age of 72.

Tinubu in condolence message issued on Friday, by his Special Adviser, on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Okupe as a bold and articulate advocate for national development.

Tinubu expressed that Okupe’s passage was at a time when his wealth of experience and insight were still invaluable to the nation.

The statement reads, “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 Nigeria’s political landscape.

“A prominent son of Iperu-Remo in Ogun State, Prince 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.

“He was most recently the Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign for the 2023 election.
Prince Okupe made notable contributions to the medical field as the co-founder of the Royal Cross Medical Centre, Lagos, and the publisher of Life Mirror, a health-focused newspaper.

“President Tinubu recalls Dr 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.

“The President also commiserates with the government and people of Ogun State, particularly the Iperu-Remo community, who have lost an esteemed son and leader.

“He recognises Prince Okupe’s enduring impact on his home state and the deep void his passing leaves in the hearts of those who came in direct contact with him.

“President Tinubu prays that God will grant repose to the departed patriot’s soul and comfort all.”

However, Peter Obi in his remark noted Okupe who also served as Director-General of Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign, desired a better Nigeria and that his death was a deep loss to the nation.

He wrote, “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.

“Dr. Okupe was an active figure in the nation’s political space and a man who desired a better Nigeria.

“His death is a profound loss – not only to his family and loved ones but to all of us.”

Obi thereby urged his supporters to pray for the eternal repose of Okupe’s soul and to remember his family at this difficult time.

“I would therefore like to urge members of the Obidient Movement and other groups to pray for the eternal repose of Dr. Okupe’s soul and to remember his family during these trying times.

“May God Almighty, who called him home, grant him eternal rest and grant his family, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this sad and irreplaceable loss. May God Almighty bless his family always,” he added.