Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of has mourned the passing of Doyin Okupe, a former special assistant on media and publicity to ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo.

Mr Okupe also served as senior special assistant on public affairs to former President Goodluck Jonathan. He was a physician and co-founder of Royal Cross Medical Centre.

Mr Sanwo-Olu described Mr 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, Gboyega Akosile, Mr Sanwo-Olu praised Mr Okupe’s contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape.

Mr 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, Mr Okupe was an accomplished politician and strategist, contributing greatly to political and national issues. 

Mr 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).”

Mr Sanwo-Olu highlighted Mr Okupe’s work as special assistant to Mr Obasanjo, SSA to Mr Jonathan, and publicist for Senator Bukola Saraki and Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

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

Mr Sanwo-Olu further acknowledged Mr 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.”

 (NAN)