The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has described the death of Doyin Okupe as a profound personal loss.
He said Okupe died shortly after another revered figure in his hometown, the Alaperu of Iperu-Remo, Adeleke Idowu-Basibo.
He paid tribute to Doyin Okupe’s lifelong service to Nigeria, stating that he remained a patriotic statesman and a committed member of the progressive political family until his final moments.
He said: “Receiving the news of the passing of my elder brother, Dr. Doyin Okupe has left me with a profound sense of personal loss, especially coming so soon after the death of the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo. Without a doubt, Dr. Okupe’s departure leaves a void that will not be easily filled.”
“Beyond his political and professional engagements, Dr. Okupe was an affable, easy-going, and principled individual who, despite never flaunting his credentials, played a significant role in Nigeria’s resistance to military rule. Like many other democracy advocates, he endured detention and persecution under military regimes, standing firm in his convictions”
Governor Abiodun acknowledged Doyin Okupe’s fluid political journey, emphasising that while his affiliations changed over time, his relationships with family, friends, and associates remained intact.
He said: “Although he shifted political alliances as situations evolved, aligning with the National Republican Convention (NRC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Accord Party, and the Labour Party, he never severed ties with his friends across political platforms. Even after the 2023 general election, he openly admired and aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s progressive vision.”
The Governor described him as an accomplished politician and strategist who co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre and held key political positions, including: National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC), Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo; Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan, and Publicist for Senator Bukola Saraki and Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He said “Doyin Okupe was one of those rare politicians who could disagree without being disagreeable. He never used foul language, always remained respectful in discourse, and was quick to acknowledge his mistakes while bowing to superior arguments. Humility was his defining trait.
“It is my sincere prayer that Almighty God grants his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May your soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.”
