Lagos governor mourns Okupe

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of Dr Doyin Okupe, a former Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Okupe also served as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan. He was a physician and co-founder of Royal Cross Medical Centre.

Sanwo-Olu described Okupe’s death, at the age of 72, as a significant loss to Nigeria, particularly the people of Ogun. He extended his condolences to the family.

In a statement on Friday, issued by his Special Adviser, Mr Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu praised Okupe’s contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape.

Okupe was also the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign. He was a former National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

Known for his bold positions and unfiltered opinions, Okupe was an accomplished politician and strategist, contributing greatly to political and national issues.

Sanwo-Olu expressed his grief, saying, “On behalf of my family, the people, and the government of Lagos, I mourn the loss of Dr Doyin Okupe.

“He was an experienced politician and strategist with over three decades of active involvement in Nigerian politics.

“He was involved during the Third Republic as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC).”

Sanwo-Olu highlighted Okupe’s work as Special Assistant to President Obasanjo, Senior Special Assistant to President Jonathan, and Publicist for Senator Bukola Saraki and Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

As Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, Sanwo-Olu also commiserated with Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodun, over the loss of a political icon.

Sanwo-Olu further acknowledged Okupe’s medical contributions. “As a doctor, he positively impacted many lives and worked in both public and private hospitals across Nigeria.”

He added, “Okupe co-founded Royal Cross Medical Centre in Obalende, Lagos. His passing is a great loss to Nigeria, especially the political community.”

The governor prayed, “May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give his family, friends, and associates the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”