Early Life and Education
Doyin Okupe, born Adedoyin Ajibike Okupe on March 22, 1952, hails from Iperu, Ogun State, Nigeria. He was raised in a well-known family, with his father, Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe, being a prominent banker associated with Agbonmagbe Bank. He grew up alongside his siblings, including four brothers—Kunle, Owo, Wemi, and Larry—and two sisters, Aina Okanlawon and Bisola Ayeni.
Okupe started his education at St. Jude’s School in Ebute Metta, Lagos, before proceeding to Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos, for his secondary schooling. He later gained admission to the University of Ibadan, where he pursued a degree in Medicine, earning his qualification as a medical doctor.
Quick Facts Doyin Okupe Biography
- Full Name: Adedoyin Ajibike Okupe
- Date of Birth: March 22, 1952
- Place of Birth: Iperu, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Date of Death: March 7, 2025 (Age 72)
- Education: University of Ibadan (Medical Degree)
Career Highlights
- Practiced medicine at St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos.
- Co-founded Royal Cross Medical Centre.
- Served as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo.
- Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan.
- Director-General of Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign (2023).
- Played key roles in the campaigns of Obasanjo, Jonathan, Atiku, and Saraki.
Legal & Political Controversies
- 2012: Investigated for fraud in road contracts.
- 2016: Implicated in the Dasukigate scandal ($2 billion arms fraud).
- 2022: Convicted for ₦702 million money laundering (paid a fine to avoid jail).
Personal Life
- Spouse: Aduralere Okupe
- Children: Ditan Okupe (pro-Buhari), Bolu Okupe (came out as gay in 2021).
- Health: Battled prostate cancer and sarcoma; recovered from COVID-19 (2020).
Death & Legacy
- Died from cancer complications.
- Remains a key figure in Nigerian politics and public communication.
Medical Career and Business Ventures
Following his medical training, Okupe worked in both government and private hospitals, notably St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos. He later co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre, a private hospital located in Obalende, Lagos, in partnership with Dr. Seyi Roberts and Dr. Ladi Okuboyejo. As the Managing Director, he played a crucial role in advancing the hospital’s operations, making it one of the recognized healthcare facilities in the region.
Entry into Politics
Okupe’s political ambitions took root during Nigeria’s Second Republic when he contested for a House of Representatives seat in the 1983 elections under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). Although unsuccessful, this marked the beginning of his deep involvement in politics.
Role in the National Republican Convention (NRC)
During the Third Republic, Okupe was appointed National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC). In this position, he was actively involved in political campaigns and electoral processes, particularly during the 1993 presidential election. He played a crucial role in monitoring vote collation at the National Electoral Commission headquarters.
Arrest Under General Sani Abacha’s Regime
Okupe faced political repression during the military regime of General Sani Abacha. On October 3, 1996, he was detained due to his political activities. His arrest was part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures by the military government. Later, in March 1998, he was disqualified from contesting in the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) primaries.
Media and Publicity Roles in Government
With Nigeria’s return to democracy, Okupe became a key figure in media and publicity for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He was appointed Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo, where he was responsible for managing government communications and public relations. Years later, he also served as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs under President Goodluck Jonathan, contributing significantly to government media strategies.
Governorship Ambitions in Ogun State
Okupe’s political aspirations extended to his home state, Ogun. In 2002, he contested in the PDP primaries for the governorship seat but was unable to secure the party’s nomination.
Involvement in Presidential Campaigns
Over the years, Okupe remained a strong advocate and campaign strategist for PDP presidential aspirants. He was actively involved in campaign publicity for several prominent figures, including:
- President Olusegun Obasanjo
- President Goodluck Jonathan
- Bukola Saraki
- Atiku Abubakar
In 2018, he was appointed Chairman of the Campaign Media Council for Bukola Saraki’s presidential bid.
Switch to the Labour Party and 2023 Elections
In 2022, Okupe joined the Labour Party (LP) and was initially named Vice Presidential placeholder for Peter Obi in the build-up to the 2023 Nigerian general elections. He later assumed the role of Director-General for Peter Obi’s campaign, working extensively to promote the Labour Party’s agenda.
Personal Life and Family
Doyin Okupe is married to Aduralere Okupe, and they have children together. His family has occasionally made headlines, particularly during the 2019 general elections, when his son, Ditan Okupe, publicly endorsed Muhammadu Buhari, while Okupe himself was supporting Atiku Abubakar of the PDP.
Another significant moment in his family’s history occurred in January 2021, when his son, Bolu Okupe, openly came out as gay. This revelation sparked widespread public discourse, especially considering Nigeria’s conservative stance on LGBTQ+ issues.
Okupe and his wife also battled COVID-19 in May 2020, but both recovered after treatment.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Okupe has faced several allegations and legal challenges throughout his career:
- EFCC Investigation (2012): His companies were investigated for alleged fraud involving unexecuted road contracts in Benue and Imo States. The case in Imo was later settled, while the Benue case was resolved through arbitration.
- Dasukigate Scandal (2016): He was implicated in a $2 billion arms procurement scandal, leading to a 59-count charge over ₦702 million allegedly diverted.
- Conviction for Money Laundering (2022): He was found guilty of money laundering but avoided prison by paying a court-imposed fine.
Conclusion
Doyin Okupe’s life has been a blend of medicine, politics, and public service. From his early career as a doctor and entrepreneur to his prominent roles in Nigerian politics, he has remained a significant figure in the country’s political landscape. Despite facing controversies and legal challenges, his influence in government affairs and political campaigns is undeniable.
FAQs
Q: What is Doyin Okupe’s profession?
A: He is a medical doctor and politician, with experience in public affairs and government communications.
Q: What political roles has he held?
A: He served as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Obasanjo and Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs under President Goodluck Jonathan.
Q: Has Doyin Okupe been involved in legal controversies?
A: Yes, he has faced corruption allegations, including money laundering charges, for which he was convicted in 2022 but paid a fine to avoid imprisonment.
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