The remains of former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Doyin Okupe, were laid to rest on Friday in his hometown of Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Okupe, who served as Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to President Goodluck Jonathan, passed away in Lagos on March 7 at the age of 72.
His final burial service was held at the Wesley Methodist Cathedral, Iperu-Remo, and was attended by notable figures, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Senator representing Ogun East Gbenga Daniel, former First Lady of Benue State Arc. Yemisi Suswam, Hon. Kayode Amusan, Chief Alex Onabanjo, Senator Lekan Mustapha, and members of President Bola Tinubu’s media team, such as Bayo Onanuga and Tunde Rahman.
Delivering the sermon, the Methodist Archbishop of Egba-Yewa and the Archbishop of RIYE, Adegbemi Atanda Adewale, reflected on Okupe’s passing as a reminder of life’s impermanence and the importance of serving both God and humanity.
“The death of Okupe is a loss and a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of living a life that honours God and serves humanity,” he said.
The Archbishop urged the congregation and the people of Ogun State to use their talents, time, and abilities to make a positive difference in society.
He highlighted Okupe’s life as proof that those in positions of power and privilege should strive to impact the lives of others.
Adewale also praised the late Okupe’s dedication to the welfare of his people and family.
Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, described Okupe as a man of impactful service, resilience, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria, his family, and his faith.
“He was a media guru, articulate, and fearless spokesman. He was a professional in politics and not a professional politician; he was a very reliable, dependable, and principled man,” Abiodun said.
The governor emphasized Okupe’s strong convictions, noting that he remained steadfast in his views unless persuaded by deep personal conviction.
“He would not change his viewpoint or position because anyone tried to influence him, except out of conviction, out of an inner conviction,” he added.
Abiodun further noted that Okupe maintained personal relationships regardless of political differences.
“As dogged a politician as he was, he did not define his personal relationships. He could take a political stance against you, but that would not stop him from having a good friendship with you.
“So, he drew a line between politics and personal relationships,” he said.
The governor urged those present to live a life of impact, treating others with kindness and respect.
He stressed that making a meaningful difference does not require holding political office.
“It is not only when a person becomes a politician that they can live a life of impact,” Abiodun concluded.
