DR. DOYIN OKUPE’S journey from the medical profession to the heart of Nigeria’s political arena was anything but conventional.
The Explainer gathered that his ability to navigate the turbulent waters of power, controversy, and shifting alliances made him one of the most talked-about figures in Nigeria’s contemporary history. His death on 7 March 2025 at the age of 72, after a long battle with cancer, marks the end of a career that spanned medicine, media, and high-stakes political strategy.
His career reflected the evolution of Nigeria’s political landscape marked by power struggles, ideological shifts, and legal battles. From serving as a trusted aide to two presidents to being convicted of money laundering, Okupe’s life was a complex mix of influence, resilience, and controversy.
Born on 22 March 1952 in Iperu, Ogun State, Okupe was raised in a family that valued education and professional excellence. His father, Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe, was a banker who worked with Agbonmagbe Bank, a financial institution that later became Wema Bank. His early education at St. Jude’s School in Ebute Metta and Igbobi College in Lagos laid the foundation for his pursuit of a medical degree at the University of Ibadan.
After qualifying as a physician, he co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Lagos alongside Dr. Seyi Roberts and Dr. Ladi Okuboyejo. He served as the hospital’s Managing Director and played a crucial role in medical emergencies. The Explainer learned that on 23 August 1994, he and Dr. Roberts saved the life of a gunshot victim, an incident later recalled by veteran journalist and politician Olusegun Osoba.
Despite his medical success, Okupe’s ambitions lay beyond the walls of the hospital. His foray into politics began in the early 1980s when he contested a seat in the House of Representatives under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). Though unsuccessful, he remained deeply involved in political affairs, later emerging as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in the 1990s.
Okupe’s political career was shaped by Nigeria’s volatile transitions from military to civilian rule. Under General Sani Abacha’s regime, he was detained on 3 October 1996, a period when opposition figures were frequently targeted. By March 1998, as the country prepared for yet another transition, he was among those disqualified from participating in the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) primaries.
His fortunes changed with the return to democracy in 1999. President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, a role in which he became one of the most vocal defenders of government policies. A decade later, he was again called to serve, this time as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan.
Throughout his career, he was a spokesman for several presidential aspirants, including Obasanjo, Jonathan, Bukola Saraki, and Atiku Abubakar. His ability to shift allegiances and remain relevant in political circles earned him both admiration and criticism.
The Explainer gathered that Okupe’s career was not without scandal. In December 2022, he was convicted of money laundering for accepting N200 million in cash from former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki. Nigerian law prohibits cash transactions above N5 million without going through a bank. However, Okupe received multiple N10 million payments between 2012 and 2015.
He was sentenced to two years in prison on 26 counts but was given the option of a N500,000 fine for each count, amounting to N13 million. He paid the fine immediately and avoided incarceration. The fallout from this case led to his resignation as Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign, marking yet another dramatic turn in his political career.
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Okupe’s political adaptability was evident in his later years. In 2022, he briefly stood in as the vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party before stepping down. He later became the Director-General of Obi’s campaign, positioning himself at the forefront of the 2023 presidential race.
However, his alignment with the Labour Party was short-lived. In January 2024, he announced his departure, stating that his ideological stance as a “rightist and liberal democrat” did not align with the party’s left-leaning orientation. His departure from the party was widely seen as another instance of his political pragmatism. He later became a vocal supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, a shift that sparked debate among his former allies.
Beyond politics, Okupe’s final years were marked by health struggles. The Explainer gathered that he was first diagnosed with prostate cancer 16 years ago. In a cruel twist of fate, he later developed sarcoma in his right shoulder. In October 2023, he sought treatment in Israel, but his condition deteriorated. Family sources confirmed that his health had worsened significantly in the weeks leading up to his death.
His passing on 7 March 2025 came just 15 days before his 73rd birthday. His death marked the end of a life that was as impactful as it was controversial.
Okupe’s story is one of survival, reinvention, and influence. His ability to adapt to Nigeria’s shifting political tides made him a key player in different administrations. He was a man who could be at the centre of power one day and a critic the next.
The Explainer gathered that while some viewed him as a skilled strategist who understood the complexities of Nigerian politics, others saw him as an opportunist who switched loyalties when convenient. His conviction for money laundering, his shifting political alliances, and his outspoken nature made him a divisive figure.
Beyond politics, his contributions to medicine, particularly in establishing the Royal Cross Medical Centre, remain part of his legacy. His ability to blend his expertise in media, governance, and political strategy ensured that he remained relevant across multiple administrations.
