Combining his medical expertise with an interest in politics, Dr. Doyin Okupe made significant strides in both fields. He spent several years working in government and commercial hospitals, most notably at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos. Alongside his medical practice, he co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Obalende, Lagos, along with Dr. Seyi Roberts and Dr. Ladi Okuboyejo. He also took up the role of Managing Director at the Royal Cross Medical Centre.
Dr. Okupe’s involvement in politics saw him serve as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention during the Third Nigerian Republic. He actively participated in the 1993 Nigerian presidential election as one of the NRC’s observers at the National Electoral Commission’s offices for result collation.
Throughout his political journey, he worked closely with prominent figures like President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan. Dr. Okupe served as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Obasanjo and later as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Jonathan.
Dr. Doyin Okupe’s personal life is marked by his happy marriage to Aduralere Okupe. Together, they have children, including sons named Ditan Okupe and Bolu Okupe. In the 2019 Nigerian general election, Dr. Okupe voted for Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while his son Ditan Okupe voted for Muhammadu Buhari.
In 2020, both Dr. Okupe and his wife tested positive for COVID-19 but thankfully recovered from the illness. Furthermore, his other son, Bolu Okupe, made headlines when he openly shared his identity as a gay man on his Instagram profile in January 2021.
Conclusion
Dr. Doyin Okupe’s life journey encompasses remarkable achievements as a physician and politician in Nigeria. His dedication to the medical field, co-founding the Royal Cross Medical Centre, and his active involvement in politics alongside notable leaders have left a lasting impact on the nation. As he continues to play a significant role in Nigerian politics, Dr. Okupe remains a prominent figure with a rich legacy of service and dedication to his country.
What is Doyin Okupe’s background and education?
Doyin Okupe, born Adedoyin Ajibike Okupe on March 22, 1952, in Iperu, Ogun State, Nigeria, was the son of Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe, a banker at Agbonmagbe Bank. He attended St. Jude’s School in Lagos, Igbobi College in Yaba, and the University of Ibadan, where he earned his medical degree. Before venturing into politics, he worked at St. Nicholas Hospital and co-founded Royal Cross Medical Centre in Lagos.
What roles did Doyin Okupe hold in Nigerian politics?
Okupe began his political career by contesting a House of Representatives seat in 1983 under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He later served as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) during the Third Nigerian Republic. In the Fourth Republic, he was appointed Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan. He also held significant roles in various presidential campaigns, including those of Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Bukola Saraki, and Atiku Abubakar. In 2022, he was appointed as the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign.
What controversies surrounded Doyin Okupe?
In 2012, Okupe and his companies were investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly failing to execute road construction contracts awarded by Benue and Imo States. A settlement was reached with Imo State, while the case with Benue State was resolved through arbitration. In 2016, he was linked to the $702 million embezzled from the $2 billion arms deal, known as the Dasukigate. In 2019, the EFCC arraigned him on 59 counts of alleged money laundering and diversion of funds totaling ₦702 million. In December 2022, a Federal High Court found him guilty on 26 counts and imposed a fine of ₦13 million in lieu of a two-year prison sentence.
What was Doyin Okupe’s estimated net worth?
As of 2025, Doyin Okupe’s estimated net worth was reported to be $5 million.
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