Doyin Okupe’s passing has indeed sparked mixed reactions in Nigeria, reflecting the complex legacy he left behind. As a physician and politician, Okupe played significant roles in Nigeria’s political landscape, including serving as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan.
In 2022, Okupe backed Peter Obi, a former Anambra governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour party, by joining the party.
He however, stepped down from Obi’s campaign after being convicted of money laundering in December of the same year.
After the 2023 general elections, Okupe in a surprising political shift, resigned from the Labour Party and became a vocal supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The negative reactions to Okupe’s death have sparked a debate about his legacy and whether he should be remembered as a hero or a villain. Some have praised his dedication to public service and his commitment to speaking his mind on national issues, while others have criticized his actions as self-serving.
TheNewsGuru has complied some of the mixed reactions greeted by Okupe’s death:
@Ugochukuw_96 wrote: “If he was a good man, may he rest in peace. If he was a bàd man, may his soul not rest in peace”
@doneneks wrote: “He couldn’t stand for the truth even in his last days. Such a terrible legacy to leave behind. Tueh!”
@EMZO_001 said: “A good man lost. Rest on sir.”
@muonago_n said: “Doyin Okupe is never a leader For your information the only leader among these names you mentioned here is Pa Ayo Adebanjo. He was a good and honest man, the other 2 are controlled by their greed and stomach.”
@delux_k wrote: “Three notable leaders passed within a month: Edwin Clark, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, and Dr. Doyin Okupe. Death is an inevitable end for everyone. The real question is: What principles & values will you be remembered for? Let this guide our journey through life. Selah!”
@DeemDozen said: “I’ll mourn for an unknown kid but will never mourn for a politician or a king.”
@Chimaizuobi wrote: “This is to tell everyone how much of vanity the world is. Whether good or bad; we’ll all leave someday. If there’s an afterlife; I pray he gets what he deserves.”
@bankkeys said: “The truth and legacy we uphold are significant in life, especially for the youth who will narrate your story to future generations. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
@EmekaEK said: “Even the APC coven couldn’t sustain him. Did he cash out before his demise? He w9nt be fondly remembered”
@Gozie_mu said: “REST IN PEACE DR DOYIN OKUPE!!! The wicked and evil government you supported will continue to deal with your kids and grandchildren. You left a legacy of stomach infrastructure and moral decay”