The remains of Dr. Doyin Okupe, a Nigerian physician, politician, and former presidential aide, are being moved to a mortuary following his passing at the age of 72.
An online news platform reported on Thursday morning the passing of the former National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) during the Third Nigerian Republic.
Okupe tragically died during surgery at a hospital on Lagos Island, where he had returned less than a week ago from Abuja for the procedure. A source close to the family confirmed the development, stating,
“He was in Abuja and returned to Lagos a few days ago, in fact, less than a week ago. He went for surgery at a hospital on Lagos Island but didn’t survive.”
The source further revealed that Okupe had been battling multiple health issues for decades, including prostate cancer.
“He had been on medication for more than 40 years, taking different drugs religiously for various types of ailments, including prostate cancer. He was also dealing with weight issues,” the source added.
Okupe, who was first diagnosed with prostate cancer 16 years ago, was hospitalized in October 2023 and had traveled to Israel for treatment.
As of Friday morning, family members were making arrangements for his burial. However, the funeral might not take place immediately, with considerations to delay it until after Lent and Ramadan, possibly around Easter on April 20.
“He has seven children, and four or five of them are currently out of the country. He is being taken to the mortuary now,” the source disclosed.
Dr. Okupe was a prominent political figure, serving in various capacities under past Nigerian administrations.
He was appointed Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and later served as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan.
In 2022, he briefly held the position of vice-presidential candidate for the Labour Party before stepping down. He was later made the Director-General of the Labour Party’s Presidential Campaign Organisation.
In January 2024, Okupe resigned from the party, citing ideological differences.
His passing marks the end of a significant era in the country’s political landscape.
