Remains of a former presidential spokesperson, Dr Doyin Okupe, have been buried in his Iperu-Remo hometown, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Friday.

Okupe who was Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to President Goodluck Jonathan, died at the age of 72 in Lagos on March 7.

His final burial service took place on Friday at the Wesley Methodist Cathedral, Iperu-Remo.

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, members of President Bola Tinubu’s media team, Bayo Onanuga, Tunde Rahman among others graced the service.

Delivering a sermon, the Methodist Archbishop of Egba-Yewa and the Archbishop of RIYE, Adegbemi Atanda Adewale, described the death of Okupe as a loss and a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of living a life that honours God and serves humanity.

The Archbishop charged 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 Okupe’s life 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 praised the deceased’s commitment to the welfare of his people and family.

In his remarks, Abiodun said Okupe lived a life of impactful service, resilience, and unwavering commitment and dedication 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.

“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.