Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has expressed deep grief over the death of Dr. Doyin Okupe, the former Director-General of his 2023 presidential campaign, who died at the age of 72, calling him “a man who desired a better Nigeria.”
“With great sadness this morning, I received the shocking news of the death of my dear elder brother, Dr. Doyin Okupe. On behalf of the family and the Obidient family, I sincerely mourn his passing,” Obi said in a statement via X on Friday.
He mentioned that Okupe’s death was a profound loss, not only to his family and loved ones but to the entire nation.
Obi urged members of the Obidient Movement and the public to pray for the repose of Okupe’s soul and support his family in this difficult time.
“May God Almighty, who called him home, grant him eternal rest and grant his family, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this sad and irreplaceable loss,” Obi added.
Okupe, a medical doctor turned politician, played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Until his demise, he served as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and later as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He reportedly died in the early hours of Friday in Lagos following a battle with illness.
Jamiu Ashimi, Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, confirmed his passing, saying, “I just confirmed the tragic news of Dr. Doyin Okupe’s passing. May his soul rest peacefully.”
A close acquaintance of the late politician, Chief Michael Adesanya, the Asojuoba of Isara Remo, confirmed his death. “Dr. Okupe has been confirmed to have died early Friday morning in Lagos,” he told reporters.
Okupe hailed from Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area, Ogun State.
