Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has made a heartfelt appeal to Nigerians who have been mocking the death of Dr. Doyin Okupe. In a series of posts shared on social media, Omokri expressed his dismay over the disrespectful comments directed towards Okupe, especially those who suggest that his passing was some form of divine retribution. Omokri, who had a close relationship with the late doctor, urged Nigerians to show empathy and allow Okupe to rest in peace.
Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former senior special assistant to President Jonathan on Public Affairs, passed away after a long battle with terminal cancer. His death, which occurred recently, shocked many of his colleagues, friends, and well-wishers. Omokri, who knew Okupe personally, shared the details of the late doctor’s struggles with illness, explaining that Okupe had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and had been receiving treatment in Israel.
The Story of a Courageous Man
Omokri revealed that Okupe had known for some time that his condition was terminal, but despite this grim prognosis, he chose to continue his work in service of Nigeria. According to Omokri, the late doctor was a patriot who remained dedicated to his duties, working tirelessly for his country even as he fought a private battle with illness.
“Dr. Doyin Okupe was my friend and colleague. He had a terminal cancer diagnosis and knew that he was going to die. His death is sad, but it is not a surprise,” Omokri wrote in one of his posts.
Omokri also recounted how Dr. Okupe had traveled to Israel to seek treatment for his cancer, only for his treatment to be disrupted when the ongoing crisis in Gaza resulted in the bombing of the hospital where he was receiving care. The bombing forced Okupe to return to Nigeria, but Omokri made it clear that had it not been for the violence in Gaza, Okupe would have continued receiving medical attention in Israel.
Despite the hardship he faced due to his health, Dr. Okupe continued to be a voice for Nigerians, using his platform to contribute to national discourse. Omokri described Okupe as a courageous man who kept working even in the face of his deteriorating health.
A Call for Respect and Peace
In his social media posts, Omokri strongly condemned the actions of those mocking Okupe’s death. He expressed his sadness that some Nigerians had turned to ridicule the late doctor, suggesting that his death was a form of divine punishment for his past actions or disagreements with certain public figures, including Peter Obi, a political figure who has been in the news for his presidential ambitions.
Omokri specifically called out those who mocked Okupe’s death by claiming that he passed away before others or that he would never find peace. He described these comments as hurtful and disrespectful to both the memory of Dr. Okupe and his family.
“It is despicable and hurtful to his memory for individuals to keep mocking him, saying that he passed on before them or that he will never rest in peace,” Omokri said. He emphasized that Dr. Okupe had not committed any sin against anyone, including Peter Obi, and that those making such cruel remarks should consider the circumstances surrounding the late doctor’s life before passing judgment.
A Call to Reflect on Life and Death
Omokri used the occasion of Dr. Okupe’s death to reflect on the nature of life and death. He pointed out that all humans will eventually face death, but the manner in which one lives and how one responds to life’s challenges is what truly defines a person. Omokri praised Dr. Okupe for his ability to continue his work and maintain a positive outlook despite the knowledge that his life was nearing its end.
He encouraged Nigerians to look at the life of Dr. Okupe as a testament to resilience and strength. Omokri challenged people to consider whether they would have been able to face such a dire diagnosis with the same courage that Dr. Okupe exhibited.
“Many of you now attacking him may not be able to bravely face life and continue working and smiling as if nothing was wrong with you after a doctor has informed you that you would die. But he did it,” Omokri said, urging Nigerians to take a more compassionate view of the situation.
Omokri’s message was clear: while people may disagree with Dr. Okupe’s actions during his life, it is essential to show respect for the deceased and allow for the judgment of God. Omokri asked his followers to leave Dr. Okupe’s judgment to God and to avoid using his death as a means of scoring political or personal points.
Dr. Doyin Okupe’s Legacy
Dr. Doyin Okupe was a well-known figure in Nigerian politics, having served in various governmental roles over the years. He was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan and played a key role in the administration’s communications strategy. Okupe was known for his strong public statements and his ability to engage with the media. His contributions to Nigerian politics were significant, and he remained a voice in public affairs until his death.
Dr. Okupe’s passing has left a void in the political landscape, and his legacy is one of both controversy and respect. While some may have disagreed with his political positions or actions, many Nigerians remember him for his commitment to his country and his willingness to speak out on issues that mattered to him.
His death serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of life, and Omokri’s appeal is a call for a more respectful discourse surrounding the lives and deaths of public figures. Whether one agrees with Dr. Okupe’s politics or not, Omokri argues that respect and empathy should be the guiding principles when discussing the life and death of any individual.
