President Tinubu has mourned the passing away of Doyin Okupe.
Epe Insights had reported earlier that Doyin Okupe, a Nigerian politician and medical doctor, who once served as a presidential aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, died at age 72.
A report filed by Sahara Reporters quoted family sources to have said that Okupe died after he had been seriously ill for several weeks.
According to the report, Okupe’s health got worse recently, causing worry among his family and supporters before he died.
It was gathered that Doyin Okupe died from cancer after a long battle with the disease. In October 2023, Okupe was hospitalised with prostate cancer and went to Israel for treatment, but his condition didn’t improve as hoped.
Okupe was first diagnosed with prostate cancer 16 years ago and later developed another type of cancer (sarcoma) in his right shoulder.
Reacting to Okupe’s death in a condolence message issued by Bayo Onanuga, his media aide, President Bola Tinubu described Okupe as a “a bold and articulate advocate for national development.”
The statement reads in full: “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,” the statement added.
