By Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio have joined journalists, media organisations and other Nigerians in mourning the sudden death of veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo.
Oladipo, 56, reportedly died on Tuesday after he suddenly took ill at his office.
His death was confirmed by the President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Danlami Nmodu, who announced the development on the guild’s WhatsApp platform on Tuesday night.
The sudden death has thrown the Nigerian media industry into mourning, with colleagues and professional associates describing it as a major loss to journalism and the country’s growing digital media sector.
President Tinubu, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Oladipo’s death as a painful loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the nation at large.
The President acknowledged the deceased’s contributions to journalism, particularly his years of dedicated service to political reporting and his commitment to providing Nigerians with credible information through traditional and digital media platforms.
Tinubu said Oladipo’s professional career reflected the important role journalists play in strengthening democracy by informing citizens, holding public officials accountable and providing platforms for robust public discourse.
He recalled the deceased’s passion for journalism and his contribution to the growth of digital journalism through The Eagle Online, which he founded after his career at The PUNCH newspaper.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu added: “His contributions to political journalism and the digital media space will not be forgotten.”
The President extended his heartfelt condolences to Oladipo’s family, colleagues in GOCOP and friends, while praying that Almighty God would grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Sanwo-Olu also expressed grief over the death of the veteran journalist, describing the development as shocking, painful and heartbreaking.
The Lagos governor extended his condolences to Oladipo’s family, colleagues, friends and professional associates, while acknowledging his contributions to the media industry.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also mourned Oladipo, describing him as a courageous, principled and dedicated journalist who devoted a significant part of his life to the pursuit of truth.
Akpabio said the death represented a major loss to the Nigerian media industry and the country’s democratic development, noting the important role played by journalists in informing citizens and strengthening democratic institutions.
Oladipo was a former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers and remained an influential figure in the development of Nigeria’s online publishing industry.
Nmodu, while announcing his death on the GOCOP platform, wrote: “It has just been confirmed that Emeritus President, Mr Dotun Oladipo, died today.”
