President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the International Press Institute and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) have expressed sadness over the sudden death of veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo.
Oladipo, a former president of GOCOP, fell ill while in office and died shortly after on his way to the hospital on Tuesday.
His death has thrown the Nigerian media industry into mourning, with colleagues, classmates, friends and professional bodies paying tribute to his contributions to journalism and the development of online publishing in Nigeria.
In a condolence message issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu acknowledged Oladipo’s contributions to journalism, particularly his years of political reporting and his commitment to providing credible information through traditional and digital media platforms.
The president said Oladipo’s career demonstrated the important role of journalists in strengthening democracy by informing citizens, holding public officials accountable and providing platforms for robust public discourse.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), in a statement signed by its president, Eze Anaba, and general secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, said it received the news of the death of Dotun Oladipo, whom it described as a gentleman and distinguished journalist, with “profound sadness”.
According to the Guild, in a career spanning several decades, Oladipo distinguished himself through professionalism, courage, intellectual depth and an unwavering commitment to the principles of journalism and nation-building.
It noted that the deceased was a committed member of the guild and that his contributions added impetus to the growth of the elite media professional body.
“Oladipo was not merely a media practitioner but also a respected colleague, mentor and contributor to the continuing evolution of the Nigerian media landscape.
“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.”
The Guild extended its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, colleagues, friends and associates.
The IPI Nigeria, in a statement signed by its president, Musikilu Mojeed, said the late Oladipo was dependable, resourceful and deeply committed to professional journalism.
The institute said his qualities led to his appointment as chairman of its Programmes Committee in 2024.
According to the institute, Mr Oladipo remained active in the institute’s activities despite the demands of running The Eagle Online, which he founded and published.
“At just 56, Mr Oladipo leaves behind an indelible legacy in Nigeria’s media industry, having made significant contributions across both traditional and digital journalism.
“His death is a profound loss not only to his family and colleagues but also to the Nigerian media community and the broader struggle for press freedom and professional journalism. IPI Nigeria has lost a dependable colleague, a passionate advocate and a trusted friend,” the statement added.
On its part, GOCOP described Oladipo’s death as a painful loss, noting that he played a significant role in the growth of online journalism and the development of the guild.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its publicity secretary, Kemi Yesufu, the guild said Oladipo served as GOCOP president from 2017 to 2021 and was among the publishers who laid the foundation for the organisation.
“Oladipo entered online publishing with years of experience in traditional media. He had worked as a journalist and editor before moving into digital publishing and bringing that experience to The Eagle Online,” the statement said.
According to GOCOP, Oladipo was also an early advocate of collaboration among online publishers at a time when digital journalism was still developing in Nigeria.
“At a time when online news publishing was still developing in Nigeria, he was among those who saw the need for publishers to come together, share ideas and build a stronger professional community,” the guild said.
The president of GOCOP, Danlami Nmodu, described Oladipo as a key figure in the evolution of the guild.
“Dotun played an important role in the development of GOCOP. He led the Guild for four years at a time when there was still much work to be done to establish online publishers as an important part of the media. His contribution will always be remembered,” Nmodu said.
Before establishing The Eagle Online, Oladipo had a distinguished career in print journalism. He had worked with The PUNCH newspaper, the Nigerian Tribune, Nigerian Compass and The Sun before venturing into digital publishing.
He was also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Eagle Media Limited, the parent company of The Eagle Online.
GOCOP extended its condolences to Oladipo’s family, the management and staff of The Eagle Online and the wider media community.
The guild said it would work with his family and associates to honour his memory and preserve his contributions to the development of online journalism in Nigeria.