LAGOS/ ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu has extended condolences to the family, friends, and associates of Prince Doyin Okupe, who died on Friday.

Tinubu described Okupe as a medical doctor, politician, communicator, and strategist who had a significant impact on Nigeria’s political landscape.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Okupe was the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) for over three decades of his political career.

He was a prominent member of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Accord Party, where he was the national leader.

Also, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of Okupe, a physician and co-founder of Royal Cross Medical Centre, at the age of 72, as a great loss to Nigeria, particularly the people of Ogun State.

Okupe, who is from Iperu-Remo in Ogun State, worked as President Goodluck Jonathan’s senior special assistant on public affairs and President Olusegun Obasanjo’s special assistant on the media.

He was most recently the Director-General of the Labour Party’s Presidential Campaign in the 2023 election.

Prince Okupe made significant contributions to the medical field as the co-founder of the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Lagos and the publisher of Life Mirror, a health-related newspaper.

Tinubu recalled Dr Okupe as a brave and articulate advocate for national development, and expressed deep sadness at his death at a time when his wealth of experience and insight remained invaluable to the nation.

He also expresses condolences to the government and people of Ogun State, particularly the Iperu-Remo community, which has lost an esteemed son and leader.

He recognised Prince Okupe’s long-lasting impact on his home state, as well as the profound void his death has left in the hearts of those who had direct contact with him.

Sanwo-Olu, the Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, also expressed condolences to his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on the death of one of the state’s political icons.

He said: “On behalf of my family, the people, and the Lagos government, I mourn the death of Dr. Doyin Okupe, a renowned political and media strategist and former presidential aide.

“Dr. Okupe was an accomplished politician and strategist who had been involved and active in Nigerian politics for over three decades.

He was actively involved during the Third Republic as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

He also served passionately as Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo; Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan, and Publicist for Senator Bukola Saraki and Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“As a medical doctor, Okupe had a positive impact on many lives through his chosen profession.”

He worked in both public and private hospitals across Nigeria before co-founding Royal Cross Medical Centre in Obalende, Lagos State.

Also in his tribute, former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele described Okupe as a courageous and dedicated public servant.

In a letter of condolence to the Okupe family, Jonathan noted that the late politician made considerable contributions to the growth and development of the country.

He stated: “It is with a heavy heart that I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of Dr. Doyin Okupe, who has passed on.

Okupe, who served in our administration as a Senior Special Assistant on public affairs, was not just a dedicated public servant but also a loyal and passionate advocate for the progress and development of our great nation.”

The former President also affirmed that during the time that Okupe worked with him, the former presidential aide demonstrated unwavering commitment, exceptional diligence, and a profound sense of duty.

He stated further: “His contributions to our administration and his relentless efforts in defending our policies and advancing the cause of good governance will always be remembered.

He was a man of conviction, courage, and wisdom, whose impact transcended his immediate roles and touched the lives of many.”