President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have mourned the death of veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo.
Oladipo, 56, a former Political Editor of PUNCH Newspapers, died suddenly on Tuesday after reportedly taking ill at his office in Lagos.
Tinubu, in a condolence message issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Oladipo’s death as a painful loss to the Nigerian media industry and the country.
The President acknowledged Oladipo’s contributions to journalism, particularly his years of political reporting and his efforts to provide credible information through traditional and digital media platforms.
Tinubu said the deceased’s career reflected the important role of journalists in strengthening democracy by informing citizens, holding public officials accountable and providing platforms for robust public discourse.
He also recalled Oladipo’s passion for journalism and his contribution to the growth of digital media through The Eagle Online, which he founded after his career at PUNCH.
“Dotun Oladipo’s death at the age of 56 is a painful loss to the Nigerian media community and to our nation. He was a committed journalist who devoted significant years of his life to informing the public and contributing to the development of our democracy.
“His contributions to political journalism and the digital media space will not be forgotten. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues in GOCOP and friends.
“I pray that Almighty God will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
Akpabio, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, described Oladipo as a courageous, principled and dedicated journalist who devoted his career to truth, responsible journalism and the advancement of society.
The Senate President said Oladipo made significant contributions to public discourse and the growth of online journalism in Nigeria.
He commiserated with the deceased’s family, friends, colleagues and professional associates, particularly members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), where Oladipo served as Emeritus President.
Akpabio said, “Dotun Oladipo was a courageous, principled and dedicated journalist, who devoted a significant part of his life to the pursuit of truth, responsible journalism and the advancement of society.
“His sudden passing is a profound loss to his family, the journalism profession and Nigeria as a whole. His immense contributions to the development of online journalism, as well as his commitment to professional excellence, integrity and public interest, will remain indelible.”
Sanwo-Olu also expressed grief over Oladipo’s death, describing it as shocking, painful and heartbreaking.
The governor extended his condolences to Oladipo’s immediate and extended family, as well as the management and staff of Premium Eagle Media Limited, publishers of The Eagle Online.
He also commiserated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), GOCOP and NGE over the loss of the journalist, whom he described as a cerebral and prolific writer.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu said Oladipo’s death was a rude shock to his family, friends, colleagues and associates.
“The death of one of Nigeria’s prolific journalists, writers and media entrepreneurs, Mr. Dotun Oladipo, is a significant loss to the media industry and Nigeria, as well as his family and friends.
“He will be sorely missed. He made numerous positive impacts in his lifetime, contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of journalism, especially with his pioneering work in online journalism in Nigeria.
“Dotun’s sudden death is shocking and painful, but we should find solace in the modest achievements of the late Publisher. Death is inevitable, as we all will die.”
Sanwo-Olu added, “Our purpose in life is not to live forever, but to create something that will outlive us, bearing in mind that it is not the length of life that matters, but the depth of life.
“Dotun Oladipo led an exemplary life. He was a dutiful husband and a good father to his children. Most importantly, he touched countless lives through his profession as a journalist, rising to become Publisher, Managing Editor, and Chief Executive Officer of a media organisation.
“I have met Dotun personally during some of my media interactions with journalists. He was brilliant, calm and always presented his case in a very interesting and professional manner. I remember his presentation of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers’ case about three years ago. You can’t but listen to him.
“On behalf of my family and the Lagos State Government, I extend my sympathies to the Oladipo family and the media industry over the loss of this veteran and accomplished journalist. I also offer my condolences to his friends, colleagues, and journalists across Nigeria. May God grant them the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.”
The Nigerian Guild of Editors described Oladipo’s death as the exit of a gentleman, distinguished journalist, former newspaper editor and publisher of The Eagle Online.
In a statement signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the guild said Oladipo distinguished himself through professionalism, courage and intellectual depth throughout his career.
“In a career spanning several decades, Dr. Oladipo distinguished himself through professionalism, courage, intellectual depth and an unwavering commitment to the principles of journalism and nation building.
“His contributions to journalism and the media industry left an enduring mark. As a former publisher of an online publication, he was deeply committed to the growth and development of the Nigerian media and the digital landscape.
“He was a committed member of the NGE, whose contributions added impetus to the growth of the elite media professional body.
“His membership of NGE reflected his strong belief in professional solidarity and the importance of promoting ethical, credible and responsible journalism.”
The guild added, “Dr. Oladipo was not merely a media practitioner but also a respected colleague, mentor and contributor to the continuing evolution of the Nigerian media landscape.
“His death is a great loss to his family, colleagues, the journalism profession and the wider media community. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, professional excellence, courage and service that will continue to inspire those who knew and worked with him.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, colleagues, friends and associates. At this difficult moment, our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”