The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the passing of Dr. Adedoyin Ajibike Okupe, popularly known as Dr. Doyin Okupe, at the age of 72, as a profound personal loss.

Okupe’s passing came shortly after the demise of another revered figure, the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo.

Abiodun paid tribute to Okupe’s lifelong service to Nigeria, noting that he remained a patriotic statesman and a committed member of the progressive political family until his final moments.

Reflecting on Dr. Okupe’s passing, Abiodun expressed his deep sorrow.

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 transition 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.

Abiodun acknowledged Dr. Okupe’s fluid political journey, emphasizing 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.”

An accomplished politician and strategist, Dr. Okupe 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.

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Abiodun noted that Dr. Okupe’s service in these diverse roles reflected his deep love for Nigeria and its people.

“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,” he said.

Also, former Governor Rashidi Ladoja of Oyo State, on Friday, mourned the passage of Okupe, describing him as a colourful and suave personality who discharged his responsibilities with diligence and dedication.

Okupe, who was the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to former President Goodluck Jonathan, died at the age of 72.

Okupe was the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign. He was a physician and co-founded Royal Cross Medical Centre.

Speaking through his media aide, Mr. Adeola Oloko, Oba Ladoja said the death of Okupe came to him as a shock.

Ladoja, who was a Third Republic senator, said the exit of Okupe in the nation’s history was most unfortunate.

Oba Ladoja said: ”No one can question the sovereignty of God over the works of his hands like you and me. However, the death of Dr Doyin Okupe came to me as a very rude shock.

”He was a man whose participation in politics I have watched with keen interest since his emergence as the Publicity Secretary of the defunct National Republican Convention [NRC] . Although the late Dr Okupe did not belong to the same political party as I did at that time, he gave a good account of himself as his party’s spokesman.

”Little wonder the former President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him as his Chief Spokesman in 1999 and in the Third Republic he was Publicity Secretary of NRC despite not being a trained journalist. In every assignment given to him, Doyin Okupe appeared to be very colourful and suave. His exit at this time of our nation’s history is most unfortunate. May God rest his soul and comfort his family and friends alike.”