Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of ex-presidential spokesperson, Dr. Doyin Okupe, describing him as a courageous and dedicated public servant.
Similarly, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has described the sudden passing of Dr Doyin Okupe as a rude shock and a profound loss to his family and Nigeria, as a whole, according to statement on Friday – yesterday, March 7 – by Mr Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Writing on his verified X account, former Governor of Anambra State and candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the February 25, 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi, expressed “great sadness” at the “shocking news of the death of my dear elder brother, Dr. Doyin Okupe,” the first Director-General of Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign organisation, extending his condolences to the Okupe family on behalf Obi’s and the Obidient families.
In a letter of condolence signed by his Special Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, to the Okupe family, Dr. 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. Dr. 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.
“Dr. Okupe’s passing is a great loss to our nation, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him. As we mourn his departure, we take solace in the fact that he lived a life of purpose and left behind a legacy of service and dedication.”
Ooni mourns Okupe, “an illustrious son of Oduduwa”
Oba Adeyeye described the death of Okupe as a celebrated and glorious passing of an illustrious son of Oduduwa and a distinguished statesman, bidding him farewell with deep respect.
According to the Ooni, the deceased was a man of great intellect, unwavering patriotism, and remarkable contributions to national development.
The traditional ruler emphasised that Okupe’s voice resonated with courage, wisdom, and a firm commitment to democracy and good governance.
The royal father explained that, through decades of service, Okupe played pivotal roles in shaping Nigeria’s political discourse and public service, leaving a legacy of diligence, resilience, and progressive leadership, lamenting that his departure has created a void in national politics but taking consolation in the fact that Okupe’s impact would continue to inspire future generations.
“The House of Oduduwa stands in solidarity with his family, the government and people of Ogun, the entire descendants of Oduduwa globally, and all Nigerians mourning this irreparable loss.
“As we bid him farewell, we pray that the Almighty Olodumare grants his soul eternal rest and comforts his loved ones during this difficult time,” Ooni stated.
Obi greatly saddened by death of former Director-General (DG) of his 2023 presidential organisation
“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,” Obi wrote in on his X handle.
Obi hailed Okupe’s virtues as one Nigerian who desired a better Nigeria, and added that the deceased nationalist would be sorely missed, not just by his family, but by the entire nation.
Calling on the Obidient Family and other Nigerians to pray for the peaceful repose of the deceased, Obi prayed for the family left behind by Okupe, that God would grant them the fortitude to bear the huge loss.
“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.
“May God Almighty bless his family always,” Obi prayed.
