Elsie UdohDr. Doyin Okupe, a seasoned politician, medical doctor, and former presidential aide, passed away on March 7, 2025, at the age of 72.
His death followed a long battle with cancer, a health challenge he fought resiliently before finally giving up.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Initial Cancer Diagnosis
Okupe’s battle with cancer began over 16 years ago when he was first diagnosed with prostate cancer.
At the time, he successfully underwent treatment and resumed his professional and political activities. However, this was just the beginning of his battle with cancer.
Cancer Recurrence and Further Health Struggles
In October 2023, Okupe revealed that his prostate cancer had resurfaced, leading to hospitalisation and intensive treatment in Israel. Despite medical interventions, his condition did not improve as expected.
In addition to prostate cancer, he was also diagnosed with sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that affects the soft tissues. This secondary diagnosis further complicated his health battle, requiring multiple treatments and lifestyle adjustments.
The toll of chemotherapy and other medical treatments led to significant physical changes in Okupe.
READ ALSO: Who Was Doyin Okupe: Biography, Career, Political Legacy
He experienced drastic weight loss, dropping from 127 kg to 97 kg quickly. Seeking alternative methods to improve his condition, he embarked on a rigorous 30-day fluid fast, which contributed to further weight reduction.
Spiritual Transformation Amidst Health Struggles
During this period, Okupe spoke openly about his health challenges, crediting his faith in God for sustaining him.
Throughout his health battle, Okupe leaned heavily on his faith. He underwent a spiritual transformation and eventually became an ordained evangelist.
In his final months, he spoke passionately about his renewed commitment to Christianity, emphasising the role of faith in overcoming life’s toughest challenges.
“I didn’t beat cancer; God beat cancer,” Okupe once said.
This showed his belief that divine intervention played a key role in his health journey.
Final Months and Death
Despite his strong will and medical efforts to combat the disease, Okupe’s health continued to deteriorate and he passed away on March 7, 2025.
His passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, colleagues, and well-wishers who admired his dedication to Nigeria and his indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.
Elsie Udoh is an SEO content writer who specialises in writing engaging stories that resonates with diverse audiences. She studied mass communication at the Lagos State University.
