President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences over the passing of Prince Doyin Okupe, describing the late politician as “a bold and articulate advocate for national development.”

Okupe, a medical doctor, politician, and communicator who died on Friday, was remembered by Tinubu for his contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape spanning over three decades.

The deceased, who hailed from Iperu-Remo in Ogun State, served in various high-profile government positions, including as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to former President Goodluck Jonathan and Special Assistant on Media to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Okupe held different political positions, including the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) and membership of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Accord Party.

Okupe also served as the Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign for the 2023 election.

He was co-founder of the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Lagos and publisher of Life Mirror, a health-focused newspaper.

Speaking through his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said Okupe’s passing came “at a time when his wealth of experience and insight were still invaluable to the nation.”

The president extended his condolences to the government and people of Ogun State, saying they “have lost an esteemed son and leader” whose passing would leave a deep void “in the hearts of those who came in direct contact with him.”

In his condolence message, the Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said he received the news of Okupe’s passing “with great sadness”.

Obi wrote on X, “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.

“Dr. Okupe was an active figure in the nation’s political space and a man who desired a better Nigeria.

“His death is a profound loss – not only to his family and loved ones but to all of us.

“I would therefore like to urge members of the Obidient Movement and other groups to pray for the eternal repose of Dr. Okupe’s soul and to remember his family during these trying times.

“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.”