President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State yesterday joined other Nigerians to celebrate the life and times of a former presidential spokesman, Dr Doyin Okupe.
Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu and others paid tributes to Okupe at the Service of Songs organised to honour him in Lagos.
Okupe, also a former Director-General of Labour Party, LP, passed away on March 7 and will be buried today (Friday) in his home town, Iperu in Ogun State.
In his tribute, Tinubu, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Tunde Rahman, said the passing of Okupe was a personal loss, though they shared different political views .
“The death of Dr Okupe is also a personal loss to the nation ,particularly to the political class, because he was an erudite politician, a political strategist and a communication expert.
“Last January, when he came to the Presidential Villa, after meeting with the president, he said he needed to work fully for Mr President’s second term in 2027.
“And as a matter of fact, he told me that he had set up an office, he had set up a team to work for Mr President in 2027. He did this because he believed Tinubu is on a redemption mission.
“He believed his policies and ideas are very timely and that he took certain decisions to save the nation.
“Okupe is no more, but his ideas, his spirit will continue to live with us. So on behalf of Mr President, I want to pray for eternal rest for his soul, “he said.
He prayed God to comfort the family and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Also speaking, Sanwo-Olu described the passing of Okupe as a profound loss to the nation, saying the deceased was an accomplished and an astute politician.
“Dr Okupe was a distinguished stateman, a seasoned public affairs commentator and a dedicated public servant whose contribution to Nigeria’s political landscape spanned several decades.
“His unwavering commitment to democracy, governance and national development earned him the respect of his colleagues and admirers across party lines.
“His voice was one of clarity, one of conviction and always advocating for a better Nigeria. Beyond his public service, he was a dear friend of mine, as well as a devoted family man and a mentor to many, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“His strength in the face of adversity was inspiring and his love for Nigeria was undeniable,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Other associates, friends and family members of late Okupe, in their tributes, said the late presidential spokesman lived a life of impact and touched many lives.
In his tribute, one of the deceased’s sons, Mr Dewunmi Okupe, described his late father as a titan who “loved God deeply, openly and with conviction”
He said Okupe also showed great love to hid children.
“My father achieved so much in life; he impacted the nation and changed lives. He was a giant who left so many legacies behind. Instead of goodbye, we say thank you,” he said .
In his sermon, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of the Trinity House said he had known Okupe’s family for a long time, adding that the deceased saw it all, made good choices in life, though with a few mistakes.
Reading from Deuteronomy 30:15-20, the cleric said life is about the choices that we make.
Prominent Nigerians that attended the programme were the 2023 LP presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi and his wife, Margaret.
Many old boys of Igbobi College, Okupe’s alma mater, also attended the programme.
