10 things to know about late Doyin Okupe

Dr. Doyin Okupe’s life weaves an intriguing tale of passion, resilience, and unwavering public service.

His journey spanned the worlds of medicine, journalism, and politics leaving an indelible mark on each field. Known for his dedication to both healing and governance, his story reflects the dynamic and often turbulent nature of Nigeria’s political and social landscape.

Here are ten essential things to know about him:

1.Birth and Education: Born on 22 March 1952 in Iperu, Ogun State, he attended St. Jude’s School, Igbobi College, and earned his medical degree from the University of Ibadan.

2. Medical Practice: A trained physician, he co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Lagos and served as its managing director, contributing significantly to Nigerian healthcare.

3. Health Journalism: He also ventured into media by publishing a health-focused newspaper called Life Mirror.

4. Early Political Involvement: During the Second Nigerian Republic, he ran for a seat in the House of Representatives under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

5. Role in the NRC: He served as the National Publicity Secretary for the National Republican Convention (NRC) during the Third Nigerian Republic.

6. Challenges Under Military Rule: Dr. Okupe was detained during General Sani Abacha’s regime and was later disqualified from participating in the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) primaries.

7. Advisory Roles: In the Fourth Nigerian Republic, he was appointed as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and later as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan.

8. Electoral Aspirations: He was a governorship aspirant for Ogun State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and later briefly joined the Accord Party before returning to the PDP.

9. Family Dynamics: Married to Aduralere Okupe with two children, his family even reflected diverse political views—while he supported PDP candidate Atiku Abubakar in 2019, one son backed Muhammadu Buhari, and another publicly came out as gay.

10. Controversies: His career was marked by legal challenges, including investigations by the EFCC over road construction contracts and alleged involvement in the Dasukigate scandal, leading to his arraignment on multiple charges.