Okupe buried amid tears, encomium in Iperu

L-R: Daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Olayemi Agogbua; wife of the deceased, Mrs.Titilayo Okupe; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; other wives of the deceased, Mrs. Omolola and Mrs. Yemisi Okupe, during the funeral service of the late Chief Doyin Okupe, held at the Wesley Methodist Church, Nigeria, Iperu, Ogun State, on Friday.

The former spokesperson to former presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Doyin Okupe, was buried on Friday in Iperu, Remo, in Ogun State.

The Archbishop of Egba-Yewa, Methodist Church, Nigeria, The Most Rev, Adegbemi Adewale, has described the death of Okupe, as a loss and a reminder of the impermanence of life

Adewale, who doubles as the Archbishop of RIYE, said this during his sermon at the funeral service for the late politician, held on Friday, at Wesley Methodist Cathedral, Iperu Remo, Ogun State.

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He emphasised the need for humans to live a life that honours God and service to humanity, while charging the congregation and the people of the state to use their talents, time, and gifts to make a positive impact on the world around them.

He said that the life of Okupe was a testament to the truth that those at the helm of affairs, as well as the rich in society, should use their lives to impact the lives of the people around them.

Adewale noted that the commitment of Dr. Okupe to the welfare of his people and family was evident in his attitude, adding that his legacy will continue to inspire both his children and generations yet unborn.

In his remarks, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described the life and times of the late Okupe as a life of impactful service, resilience, and unwavering commitment and dedication to Nigeria, his family, and his faith.

Governor Abiodun said the deceased was extremely cerebral, kind, humble, and generous.

Noting that Okupe was very cheerful, smiling, and extremely slow to anger, Governor Abiodun described him as a noble man and a warrior who fought for democracy.

“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.

“He would not change his viewpoint or position because anyone tried to influence him, except out of conviction, out of an inner conviction,” he said.

The Governor said that the late Okupe did not define his personal relationships by his political beliefs, adding that his political beliefs did not ruin his relationships with him or others during his lifetime.

“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.

Abiodun urged the congregation and the people of the state to live a life of impact by treating other people the way they would want to be treated, adding that it is not only when a person becomes a politician that they can live a life of impact.

Some of the dignitaries at the burial service were members of the Ogun State Executive Council, Arc. Yemisi Suswam, former First Lady of Benue State, Hon. Kayode Amusan, Chief Alex Onabanjo, Senator Lekan Mustapha, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Mr. Tunde Rahaman, and former Ogun State Governor Senator Gbenga Daniel, amongst others.

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Olayinka Olukoya