Disclosed: Dr Doyin Okupe Passes Away At 72 After Battle With Cancer.
Dr Doyin Okupe, a renowned Nigerian physician, politician, and former presidential aide, has passed away at the age of 72.
According to sources close to the family, Dr Okupe had been critically ill in the weeks leading up to his demise. His health reportedly deteriorated significantly, prompting concern among his loved ones and supporters. It was confirmed that his death 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, his condition did not improve as hoped. He had first been diagnosed with prostate cancer 16 years ago and later developed sarcoma in his right shoulder.
Early Life and Medical Career
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, where he earned his medical degree.
Okupe co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Obalende, Lagos, alongside his colleagues Dr Seyi Roberts and Dr Ladi Okuboyejo. As Managing Director of the centre, he played a significant role in healthcare delivery in the region.
Political Career and Public Service
Okupe transitioned into politics and served as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) during the Third Republic. He later became Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan.
In 2022, he briefly held the position of vice-presidential candidate for the Labour Party before stepping down. He was later appointed Director-General of the party’s Presidential Campaign Organisation. However, in January 2024, Okupe resigned from the Labour Party, citing ideological differences.
Legal Challenges
In December 2022, Okupe was convicted for violating the Money Laundering Act after receiving over N200 million in cash from former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (retd). The Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment on each of the 26 counts, with the option of a fine. Okupe paid the N13 million fine immediately, avoiding incarceration.
Personal Life and Final Years
Okupe was married to Aduralere Okupe, and they had children, including Ditan and Bolu. In April 2020, he and his wife tested positive for COVID-19 but later recovered.
In January 2021, his son Bolu publicly came out as gay, drawing media attention.
Okupe faced serious health challenges in his later years, battling both prostate cancer and sarcoma.
