LAGOS, Nigeria — Doyin Okupe, a Nigerian physician, politician, and former presidential aide, has passed away at the age of 72 following a prolonged battle with cancer.
Dr Okupe’s death was confirmed by Jamiu Ashimi, the chairman of Ikenne Local Government, Ogun State from where he hails, who expressed his condolences while speaking to reporters.
“I just confirmed the tragic news of the passing of Dr. Doyin Okupe. May his soul rest in peace,” Ashimi said on Friday, March 7, 2025.
A close associate of the late politician, Michael Adesanya, the Asojuoba of Isara Remo, also confirmed Okupe’s passing to Punch.
“Dr. Okupe has been confirmed to have died early Friday morning in Lagos,” Adesanya is quoted as saying.
Sources close to the family revealed that Dr Okupe’s health had deteriorated significantly in recent weeks, sparking concern among his loved ones and political associates.
Long Battle with Cancer
Okupe had been living with prostate cancer for 16 years and later developed sarcoma in his right shoulder, further complicating his health.
In October 2023, he was hospitalised and later flown to Israel for treatment. However, his condition did not improve as he and his family had hoped.
His death marks the end of a decades-long career in Nigerian politics, where he served in various capacities, including as a spokesperson for former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
Political Legacy
A well-known figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, Okupe played a key role in several administrations and was deeply involved in the country’s governance.
Over the years, he was a member of various political parties, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and, later, the Labour Party (LP), where he briefly served as the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign.
Despite his influential role in Nigerian politics, Okupe’s career was not without controversy.
In December 2022, he resigned as Director-General of Peter Obi’s presidential campaign after being convicted of money laundering, a case that drew significant public attention.
Following the 2023 general election, he parted ways with the Labour Party, citing internal party disagreements.
He also turned against his former ally, Peter Obi, condemning Obi for his commentary about the Yorubas.
In the months that followed, Okupe became an outspoken supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, frequently engaging in political debates and public discourse, where he remained a vocal and polarizing figure.
His passing has drawn tributes from colleagues, supporters, and political figures across the country, many of whom have lauded his contributions to Nigerian politics and public service.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family in the coming days.
