Emmanuel Ochayi
Doyin Okupe, a Nigerian politician, physician, and media strategist, has passed away at the age of 72 as reported by Prime Business Africa. His contributions to Nigerian politics spanned decades, during which he served as a key figure in multiple administrations. Okupe was a close aide to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan and played an active role in shaping political discourse in Nigeria. His death marks the end of an era for a man who was deeply involved in the country’s political landscape.
Early Life and Education
Adedoyin Ajibike Okupe was born on March 22, 1952, in Iperu, Ogun State, into the family of Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe. He was one of seven children and grew up in a family with strong ties to the community. Okupe’s educational journey began at St. Jude’s School in Ebute Metta, Lagos, before he proceeded to Igbobi College in Yaba. He later attended the University of Ibadan, where he trained as a physician.
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Medical Career
Before entering politics, Okupe practised as a medical doctor. He worked at several hospitals, including St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos. In collaboration with his colleagues, Dr. Seyi Roberts and Dr. Ladi Okuboyejo, he co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Obalende, Lagos. As the managing director of the centre, he played a significant role in providing medical services in the city.
Political Career
Okupe ventured into politics in the 1980s. In 1983, he contested for a seat in the House of Representatives under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) during the Second Nigerian Republic. Though his political aspirations were halted due to the military coup that ended civilian rule, he remained active in political circles.
During the Third Nigerian Republic, Okupe became the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC). He was present when the 1993 presidential election results were being collated. However, his political career faced a major setback when he was imprisoned on October 3, 1996, by the military regime of General Sani Abacha. He was later banned from contesting elections under Abacha’s transition plan in 1998.
With the return of democracy in 1999, Okupe was appointed Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo. His influence in Nigerian politics continued to grow, and in 2012, he was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan.
Over the years, Okupe worked closely with major figures in Nigerian politics, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He briefly left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2017 to join the Accord Party, but later returned to support Atiku Abubakar’s 2019 presidential bid.
Role in the Labour Party
In 2022, Okupe joined the Labour Party and played a crucial role in the presidential campaign of Peter Obi. He was initially named as the vice-presidential placeholder before a permanent running mate was selected. He later became the Director General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organisation. However, his political career took a hit in December 2022 when he resigned following his conviction for money laundering.
Personal Life
Doyin Okupe was married to Aduralere Okupe, and they had children together, including Ditan Okupe. Interestingly, during the 2019 elections, while Okupe supported Atiku Abubakar, his son Ditan publicly backed President Muhammadu Buhari.
In April 2020, Okupe and his wife tested positive for COVID-19 but later recovered. His other son, Bolu Okupe, who resides in Paris, publicly came out as gay in 2021, a revelation that sparked discussions in Nigeria.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Okupe faced multiple allegations and legal battles throughout his career. In 2012, reports emerged that he and his company were under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over abandoned road contracts in Benue and Imo States.
In 2016, he was linked to the Dasukigate scandal, where funds meant for arms procurement were allegedly mismanaged. In 2019, the EFCC charged him with 59 counts of money laundering and fund diversion amounting to N702 million.
In December 2022, an Abuja Federal High Court found Okupe guilty of 26 out of the 59 charges. He was sentenced to two years in prison but was given the option to pay a fine of N500,000 for each count, amounting to N13 million. Following this conviction, he resigned from his role in the Labour Party.
Doyin Okupe’s Legacy
Despite his legal troubles, Okupe remained a strong voice in Nigerian politics. His media expertise and strategic communication skills made him a key figure in multiple administrations. He played an essential role in shaping political narratives and was respected for his ability to articulate complex political issues.
His death leaves behind a legacy of political engagement, media influence, and public service. While his career had moments of controversy, his contributions to Nigerian politics cannot be ignored. As Nigeria reflects on his life, Okupe will be remembered as a man who was deeply invested in the country’s political development.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
