Korede Abdullah in Lagos
A former presidential aide, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has died at the age of 71.
Medical doctor by training Okupe was better known as a politician.
His death was confirmed on Friday, March 7, 2025.
Okupe was a key figure in Nigerian politics, having served as a media aide to President Olusegun Obasanjo during his presidency between 1999 to 2007 and later as a senior adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He was the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign.
Okupe’s political journey was marked by controversies, including a conviction for money laundering in December 2022, which led to his resignation from Obi’s campaign. He later resigned from the Labour Party following the 2023 general election.
Despite this, Okupe remained a vocal voice in Nigerian politics, becoming a supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and frequently engaging in political debates and commentary.
According to sources close to the family, Okupe had been critically ill in the weeks leading up to his demise, battling cancer. He was first diagnosed with prostate cancer 16 years ago and later developed sarcoma in his right shoulder.
Okupe’s legacy as a strategist, government adviser, and media personality remains a significant part of Nigeria’s political history.
