10 things you should know about late Dr. Doyin Okupe

Dr. Adedoyin Ajibike Okupe was a distinguished Nigerian physician, politician, and media strategist.

His career spanned several decades, influencing both the medical and political landscapes of Nigeria.

Here are ten things you should know about him;

1. Early life

Adedoyin Okupe was born on March 22, 1952, in Iperu, Ogun State to Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe, a banker with Agbonmagbe Bank.

He had several siblings, including Kunle, Owo, Wemi, and Larry Okupe, as well as Aina Okanlawon and Bisola Ayeni.

2. Academic background

Okupe received his early education at St. Jude’s School in Ebute Metta and Igbobi College in Yaba before earning his degree from the University of Ibadan.

He was a trained physician who co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Lagos alongside Dr. Seyi Roberts and Dr. Ladi Okuboyejo.

Before establishing his private practice, he worked in government hospitals and the prestigious St. Nicholas Hospital.

3. Journalism career

Beyond medicine, Okupe was also a publisher. He founded Life Mirror, a health-focused newspaper dedicated to increasing medical awareness among Nigerians.

4. Involvement in Nigerian Politics

Okupe was a political heavyweight, having been a member of multiple political parties, including the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), National Republican Convention (NRC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Accord Party, and Labour Party.

He served as the National Publicity Secretary of the NRC and played a key role in numerous presidential campaigns.

5. Detention under General Sani Abacha

In 1996, he was arrested and detained by the military government of General Sani Abacha.

His political activities also led to his disqualification from participating in the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) primaries in 1998.

6. Positions held

Okupe held key positions as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and later as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan.

He was known for his bold communication style and defense of government policies.

Okupe aspired to be the Governor of Ogun State under the PDP in 2002. He was a strong contender in the party’s primaries but lost to Gbenga Daniel.

7. Controversies

Okupe was investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged failure to execute road contracts in Benue and Imo states.

He was also implicated in the Dasukigate scandal, where ₦702 million was allegedly traced to him.

In the 2019 elections, while Okupe supported Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid, his son, Ditan Okupe, publicly campaigned for Muhammadu Buhari. Their political rivalry gained widespread attention.

8. Labour Party member

Okupe joined the Labour Party ahead of the 2023 elections and initially served as Peter Obi’s vice-presidential placeholder before a final running mate was chosen.

He and his son Bolu Okupe were strong supporters of Obi’s candidacy.

9. Personal life

Dr. Okupe was married to Aduralere Okupe and together they had two children.

10. Death

In May 2020, Okupe and his wife tested positive for COVID-19 but later recovered. Despite political and legal battles, he remained vocal and active in Nigeria’s political space until his passing on 7 March 2025.