Ex-Presidential spokesperson Dr. Doyin Okupe dies at 72

Dr. Adedoyin Ajibike Okupe

|Published 9:30 AM ET, Friday March 7, 2025|

Dr. Adedoyin Ajibike Okupe, a distinguished Nigerian physician and politician, has passed away at the age of 72. Born on March 22, 1952, in Iperu, Ogun State, Nigeria, Okupe was the son of Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe, a banker with Agbonmagbe Bank. ​

Okupe pursued his education at St. Jude’s School in Ebute Metta, Lagos, and Igbobi College in Yaba, Lagos, before obtaining a degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Ibadan. He co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Lagos and served as its Managing Director.

Transitioning into politics, Okupe held several significant positions, including National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC), Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan. In 2022, he was appointed Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign for the 2023 election.

Okupe had been battling health challenges, including prostate cancer diagnosed 16 years ago and later, sarcoma in his right shoulder. Despite medical interventions, his condition deteriorated, leading to his passing on March 7, 2025. ​

Dr. Doyin Okupe’s legacy encompasses his contributions to medicine and his active engagement in Nigeria’s political landscape, reflecting his commitment to public service and national development.

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