By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other notable figures on Thursday paid tribute to the late Dr. Doyin Okupe-Agbonmagbe, former Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan. The tributes were delivered during a Service of Songs organized by Trinity House in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Representing President Tinubu at the event, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs, Mr. Tunde Rahman, described Okupe’s death as a personal loss to the President, the political class, and Nigeria as a whole.
“Though President Tinubu and Dr. Okupe had different political views and alliances, they shared mutual respect and admiration. Dr. Okupe was an erudite politician, a political strategist, and a communication expert. His commitment to national development was unwavering,” Rahman stated.
He further revealed that Okupe had been working towards President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, setting up an office and a team in support of the President’s policies and vision for Nigeria.
Governor Sanwo-Olu hailed Okupe as a distinguished statesman, seasoned public affairs commentator, and dedicated public servant whose contributions spanned several decades.
“Dr. Okupe was an advocate for democracy and governance, and his commitment to national development transcended party lines. I admired him for over three decades, and in the last five years, we became even closer. He was an astute politician and a true Omoluabi,” the governor remarked.
Sanwo-Olu extended his condolences to the Okupe family, describing their patriarch as a devoted father, mentor, and man of integrity who lived a life of impact.
In heartfelt tributes, Okupe’s children and grandchildren described him as a peacemaker and loving father who dedicated his life to his family, the church, and the nation.
Among the dignitaries present were Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Lagos Deputy Governor, Otunba Femi Pedro; Ovation Magazine publisher, Chief Dele Momodu; government officials, religious leaders, and members of the political community.
