Although he played major roles in many political parties, from the era of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in the early 1990s to the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998, where he later served as the presidential spokesman to erstwhile Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007) and Goodluck Jonathan before he joined forces with Peter Obi, who was the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Okupe later extended his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) last year.
The philosophy of aligning “political acumen” to wherever the interest of Nigeria is best served defined his political engagement until March 7, 2025 when he transited, aged 72. His watchwords remained ‘loyalty’ and unalloyed commitment to whatever cause he pursued.
While some members of Afenifere could say that Okupe, as a Yoruba man from Ogun State did not join the apex Yoruba socio-political and cultural group or openly identified with them, they agreed that Okupe worked assiduously with them under the administration of Goodluck Jonathan, who later organised the 2014 National Conference, which was probably perceived as the best constitutional conference Nigeria ever had. Unfortunately, the recommendations of the conference have not been implemented.
He was also quick to see the need for Nigeria to allow the former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, to lead Nigeria under the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections but unfortunately neither the party, nor Obi could march the political force of the ruling APC and President Tinubu. The LP candidate came third but with the intellectual support of the likes of Okupe, the former Anambra State governor has already become a force to reckon with in Nigerian politics today.
His alignment with Obi was against all odds considering the facts that Tinubu, his fellow Yoruba man was on the ballot of the ruling APC. It was rumoured that several overtures were made to him by the ruling party just that he refused and stuck to his philosophy that Nigeria would be better off with a new set of leaders.
He explained why he worked with Obi just as he later gave reasons parting way with him.
As to why he supported Obi in 2023, Okupe said, “I decided to team up with the South-East to fight for the ticket for the South. When I took that decision, I looked at those coming from the South-East. At that time, there were very few, just Pius Anyim and Peter Obi. Of course, Peter Obi totally towers shoulders high above every other aspirant not just in the South-East but nationally. So, it did not take me anything to say that I will support him. Number one, he is from the zone that should be preferred for the president to come from. Number two, personally, he has excelled as a person in his private life. He has also proven himself to be somebody dependable, prudent and careful in managing public funds. You cannot say that for many of us and that is a fact. So, based on those reasons I decided to support Peter Obi.”
To Obi, the late politician gave his best and support until February 25, 2023, when LP lost. He continued from there until he later saw the reasons to quit the Obidient Movement camp to look for other means of allowing Nigeria to realise her best interest.
Having served as the director of the Obi presidential movement, Okupe later stepped aside, after a court case but said he parted ways with the former Anambra State governor following a comment he described as derogatory for the Yoruba from Obi.
His interest for a better future persisted, when he met with President Tinubu in Aso Rock after parting ways with the Labour Party.
Despite the economic pains, Okupe was among the first Nigerians to appeal for understanding with the incumbent President when he said, “Going by the estimation of the reforms of the current government, President Tinubu is doing exceedingly well and he’s going to do much better. Bola Tinubu needs understanding, not undermining.”
Renowned as a physician, politician, and former presidential aide, Okupe’s transition at age 72 on March 7, 2025 was linked to cancer, marking the end of a long struggle with the illness. In October 2023, Okupe was hospitalised with prostate cancer and was flown to Israel for treatment. However, it was learnt that his condition did not improve as he and his family expected. Okupe was first diagnosed with prostate cancer 16 years ago and later developed sarcoma in his right shoulder.
Born in Iperu, Ogun State, Okupe was the son of Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe, a banker with Agbonmagbe Bank. He pursued his early education at St. Jude’s School in Ebute Metta, Lagos, and Igbobi College in Yaba, Lagos. He later attended the University of Ibadan in Oyo State, where he earned his degree in medicine.
Okupe co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Obalende, Lagos, alongside his colleagues Dr. Seyi Roberts and Dr. Ladi Okuboyejo.
He served as the Managing Director of the center, contributing significantly to healthcare delivery in the region.
