Doyin Okupe, a seasoned political desire and broken-down spokesperson to 2 Nigerian presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, passed away on March 7, 2025, at the age of 72.
His loss of life marks the pause of a occupation that spanned politics, media, and remedy, shaping public discourse in Nigeria for many years.
A lifestyles devoted to carrier
Born in Iperu, Ogun Reveal, Okupe’s bolt into public carrier used to be no longer a straight route. He first educated as a clinical physician, attending St. Jude’s College, Igbobi College, and later, the University of Ibadan.
His early occupation noticed him working at St. Nicholas Sanatorium ahead of co-founding the Royal Contaminated Scientific Centre, the build he served as Managing Director.
No topic his background in remedy, politics sooner or later changed into his calling. In 1983, he took his first shot at public place of work, contesting for a seat in the Residence of Representatives beneath the now-defunct Nationwide Occasion of Nigeria (NPN). Though unsuccessful, his involvement in politics deepened, leading to a series of appointments that positioned him as one among Nigeria’s most identified political voices.
A prominent political communicator
Okupe’s means to navigate Nigeria’s political panorama earned him key roles beneath extra than one administrations. He used to be the Nationwide Publicity Secretary of the Nationwide Republican Convention (NRC) in the 1990s and later served as Particular Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo.
His influence persisted to grow, leading to his appointment as Senior Particular Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012.
Beyond authorities carrier, he played a central characteristic in shaping political campaigns. He used to be instrumental in the election suggestions of figures adore Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Atiku Abubakar, Bukola Saraki, and Peter Obi. His deep knowing of Nigerian politics and engaging media abilities made him a sought-after strategist.
Challenges and controversies
Like many political figures, Okupe faced his half of challenges. Under Overall Sani Abacha’s regime, he used to be detained in 1996. In 2012, he used to be investigated by the Financial and Financial Crimes Fee (EFCC) over contracts in Imo and Benue states.
No topic these hurdles, he remained active in politics, switching affiliations between the Peoples Democratic Occasion (PDP), Accord Occasion, and Labour Occasion over the years.
In 2023, he used to be at the delivery named Peter Obi’s running mate for the Labour Occasion ahead of stepping down when a closing vice-presidential candidate used to be chosen. Even after leaving the build, he remained a vocal supporter of Obi’s presidential say.
Within most Existence and Legacy
Okupe used to be married to Aduralere Okupe, and they had two younger folks together. He used to be additionally one among the Nigerians who shriveled and survived COVID-19 in 2020. His resilience, both in politics and in lifestyles, defined his occupation.
His passing in March, the identical month he used to be born, closes the chapter on a one that devoted powerful of his lifestyles to public carrier. Though his occupation had united states of americaand downs, his affect on Nigerian politics remains undeniable.
