Remembering Doyin Okupe: A Legacy Betrayed By Silence

A Broken Heart: Balami Isaac Speaks Out

Naija News reports that Balami Isaac, the former National Deputy Campaign Manager for the Obi/Datti campaign in the 2023 presidential election, opened up about the heartbreaking treatment of Doyin Okupe during a recent commendation service. It was a moment of raw emotion as he stood before an audience, including Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to speak the truth about what happened behind closed doors.

Dr. Doyin Okupe, a man who served as a presidential aide and a towering figure in Nigerian politics, passed away earlier this year. His death left a void that many have struggled to fill, but it also exposed a darker side of political alliances. At the heart of it all was the silence surrounding his final days—a silence that Balami couldn’t ignore.

Unwavering Loyalty, Forgotten Sacrifices

Balami, a seasoned aviation expert and passionate youth activist, couldn’t help but express his frustration over the betrayal of a man who gave so much to the Labour Party. He recounted how Okupe served as the Director-General of the Obi/Datti campaign, dedicating not just his time but also his personal resources to ensure the campaign's success.

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“We had N100 million available for that day. Dr. Okupe put all the money on the table, and all the directors would sit and he would distribute the money. After the campaign, he was left in debt. He never went anywhere even though the campaign had billions. He paid for them himself,” Balami said, his voice tinged with sadness. This wasn’t just about money; it was about loyalty and trust that were broken.

Abandoned When It Mattered Most

The worst part, according to Balami, wasn’t just the financial burden Okupe bore alone—it was the emotional abandonment. “He was deserted by the people he worked with. At some point, I reached out on his behalf. They never called him or asked how he was feeling,” Balami revealed. The audience nodded in agreement, with one person adding, “For two years,” while another chimed in, “They did not pick up his calls.”

It’s one thing to disagree politically, but it’s another to turn your back on someone when they need you most. Okupe wasn’t just a political figure; he was a human being battling serious health issues, and yet, those he fought alongside chose silence over solidarity.

Return to the APC: A Decision Misunderstood

Balami also addressed the rumors swirling around Okupe’s decision to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Some speculated it was motivated by financial gain, but Balami set the record straight. “He didn’t go back to APC because of money. He told me one day, ‘Balami, I went back because I have seen it all. I went back to reconcile with the people that never hurt me,’” he explained.

This wasn’t just about politics; it was about finding peace and closure. Okupe had seen both sides of the political spectrum, and in the end, he sought reconciliation with those who truly mattered to him.

A Painful Homecoming

After undergoing major surgery in the UK, Okupe returned to Nigeria, hoping for some semblance of support from his former colleagues. Instead, he was met with indifference. “After a six-hour flight, he crawled to the car after a major surgery. They saw him in pain, but 18 months later, they still never called him,” Balami lamented.

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It’s hard to imagine the pain of being ignored by those you once called allies, especially during such a vulnerable time. Balami condemned those who attacked Okupe’s legacy, particularly some Labour Party supporters on social media. “How can we allow someone’s legacy to be tarnished by those who failed him when he needed them most?” he questioned.

As the commendation service came to a close, it was clear that Doyin Okupe’s story wasn’t just about politics—it was about humanity. It’s a reminder that in the world of power and ambition, we must never forget the people who stand by us, and the importance of standing by them in return.