The King He Could Have Been: Doyin Okupe’s Illness Stopped Him From Royal Destiny – Family Source”

Okupe passed away on Friday morning at the age of 72 after a long battle with prostate cancer. The town had also recently experienced the loss of the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo, who passed away on February 6, 2025, at Babcock University Teaching Hospital.

A family source, speaking to SaharaReporters, revealed that following the death of Oba Idowu-Basibo, several kingmakers and prominent figures from the town approached Doyin Okupe to succeed the late monarch. This was significant, especially since the deceased’s cousin, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, is also from Iperu.

However, due to his poor health, Okupe turned down the request and missed the chance to ascend to the throne.

The source shared, “You know Okupe and Governor Dapo Abiodun are both from Iperu and are cousins. When the Oba of Iperu-Remo passed away recently, some kingmakers and townspeople called on Okupe to prepare to succeed him. At that time, they were unaware of his serious illness. He declined the offer due to his health, and that’s how he missed becoming the king.