By JKNewsMedia
FRIDAY MORNING, the Nigerian public was plunged into mourning following the deaths of two prominent figures —Dr Doyin Okupe, a veteran politician and media strategist, and Mabel Segun, a distinguished poet and advocate for children’s literature.
Their passing marks the end of an era in their respective fields, leaving behind legacies that have shaped Nigeria’s political and literary landscapes.
Doyin Okupe:
Dr Doyin Okupe, a seasoned medical practitioner and political strategist, passed away in the early hours of Friday in Lagos at the age of 72 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Family sources confirmed his passing, leaving behind a career that spanned decades in media, politics, and public service.
Okupe played a pivotal role in Nigerian politics, serving as a special assistant on media and publicity to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and later as a senior special assistant on public affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
In 2023, he was appointed the director-general of the Labour Party (LP) presidential campaign, a role he resigned from in December of that year.
A medical doctor by training, he studied at the University of Ibadan, where he earned his degree before co-founding the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Obalende, Lagos.
His political journey saw him transition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later to the LP ahead of the 2023 elections.
However, by January 2024, he had stepped away from the LP, distancing himself from its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, months later.
Okupe was born on 22 March 1952 in Iperu, Ogun State, and throughout his career, he remained a vocal political figure.
Mabel Segun Bows Out at 95
In a separate development, Nigeria also bid farewell to Mabel Segun, a trailblazing writer and broadcaster, who passed away the previous day on Thursday at the age of 95.
Her family announced her death in a heartfelt statement, acknowledging her contributions to literature, broadcasting, and sports.
Born on 13 February 1930 in Ondo City, Segun was an accomplished author whose literary career spanned decades.
Her debut book, My Father’s Daughter, published in 1965, became a staple in educational curricula globally and was translated into several languages.
Her influence extended beyond writing—she was instrumental in founding the Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria in 1978 and later established the Children’s Documentation and Research Centre in 1990.
She was a fellow of the International Youth Library in Munich and played a key role in shaping the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) alongside Chinua Achebe in 1981.
Her achievements also earned her multiple accolades, including the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) for lifetime contributions to literature in 2009.
She also won the LNG Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2007 and was featured in Daughters of Africa, a renowned anthology celebrating influential women writers.
Beyond literature, Segun was an accomplished athlete.
She made history as Nigeria’s first female table tennis champion and continued to play competitively until the age of 58. Her sporting prowess extended to badminton, where she won a bronze medal at the Nigerian Regional Championship.
Abiodun Mourns Okupe’s Passing
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described Dr Okupe’s passing as a profound personal loss, especially coming so soon after the demise of the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo.
Governor Abiodun paid tribute to Okupe’s lifelong service to Nigeria, highlighting his patriotism and commitment to progressive politics.
“Receiving the news of the passing of my elder brother, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has left me with a profound sense of personal loss,” he stated. “Beyond his political and professional engagements, Dr. Okupe was an affable, easy-going, and principled individual who, despite never flaunting his credentials, played a significant role in Nigeria’s resistance to military rule.”
Governor Abiodun acknowledged Okupe’s fluid political affiliations, noting that despite aligning with various parties—including the National Republican Convention (NRC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Accord Party, and the Labour Party—he maintained strong relationships across political divides.
“Even after the 2023 general election, he openly admired and aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s progressive vision,” he added.
Dr Okupe’s legacy in media and political communication was equally notable. He co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre and held key positions as National Publicity Secretary of the NRC, Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan. He also served as a publicist for Senator Bukola Saraki and Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“Although he trained as a medical doctor, Dr. Okupe excelled in media and political communications,” Governor Abiodun continued. “His writing and public speaking skills were exceptional, making him an influential voice in national discourse.”
If they slept in the Lord, great.
We’ll see them in the morning. If not, despite all these wonderful accomplishments too bad.
I truly don’t know about their faith lives, sir.