Fresh details have emerged on how Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesman and Nigerian politician died.
Recall, this newspaper reported that Okupe passed away on Friday at the age of 72.
The Witness gathered that he died after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Mayowa Banwo, his personal assistant, who confirmed the news said tthat Okupe passed away in the early hours at a private hospital in Lagos.”
He, however, said he did not have any information about the cause of his death.
“Yes, it is true that he passed away. He died overnight at a hospital in Lagos.
“On the cause of his death, I do not know know any thing about that. All I know is that he has passed away.
“His death is a rude shock to all of us. He was a fantastic man, he will be sorely missed”, he said.
On the delay in the confirmation of the late politician’s death by family members, Banwo said it was expected as “all his children are out of the country.
“However, I can confirm to you that they are on their way back to the country to give other details about his death”, he said.
A family source also confirmed the development. According to the source, “He was in Abuja and returned to Lagos a few days ago, in fact, less than a week ago. He went for a surgery at a hospital on the Lagos Island but he didn’t survive the surgery,” a family source revealed.
“He had been on medication for more than 40 years, taking different drugs religiously for various types of ailments including prostate cancer. He later developed sarcoma in his right shoulder. He was also dealing with weight issues,” the source said.
Doyin Okupe held significant roles in Nigerian politics, including serving as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan.
He also led the 2023 Presidential Campaign of Peter Obi. Additionally, he was known for his strong support for President Bola Tinubu, often publicly backing his reforms and vision for the country.
His death has come as a shock to many, and he will be remembered for his contributions to Nigerian politics and public discourse.
