…He was a distinguished journalist, gentleman — NGE, NUJ, GOCOP
LAGOS—PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE; the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT council and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, yesterday, mourned the death of the founder and Managing Editor of The Eagle Online, Mr Dotun Oladipo.
Oladipo, who was 56 years old, died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at a hospital where he was said to have personally driven himself there immediately after he fell ill at his office.
His death was announced on the website of the online publication, yesterday.
The publication noted that Oladipo was in his “usual state of health earlier in the day before suddenly taking ill at his office.”
Tributes pour in
Meanwhile, President Tinubu, in a statement, described Oladipo’s death as a “painful loss” to Nigeria’s media industry and the country.
The president acknowledged Oladipo’s contributions to journalism, particularly his years in political reporting and his work in digital media.
The President said: “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.”
Tinubu said Oladipo’s passion for journalism was evident in his transition from traditional media to digital publishing, where he founded The Eagle Online.
He extended his condolences to Oladipo’s family, colleagues in GOCOP and friends, and prayed for the repose of his soul.
A loss to the media industry —Sanwo-Olu
Similarly, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Oladipo as one of Nigeria’s “prolific journalists, writers and media entrepreneurs”, adding that his death is a significant loss to the media industry and the country.
The governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, said Oladipo made significant contributions to journalism, particularly through his pioneering work in online publishing.
He described him as an exemplary journalist who also served as a husband and father, adding that he “touched countless lives” through his profession.
He said: “Dotun’s sudden death is shocking and painful, but we should find solace in the modest achievements of the late publisher.
“He will be sorely missed. 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.”
His death shocking, unexpected — Uzodimma
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State also expressed deep sadness at the death of Oladipo, describing his passing as shocking and unexpected.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser on Media, Oguwike Nwachuku, said that Oladipo’s death has left a big vacuum in the media.
Uzodimma said the reactions and responses from Oladipo’s colleagues since the news of his death broke were a testament to his commitment to the ideals of responsible media practice and service to society, stressing that the “deceased will be sorely missed as a humble, innovative, diligent, energetic, and detribalised journalist as most of his colleagues have attested to.”
He was a great journalist, gentleman —NGE
Reacting to Oladipo’s death, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, said his death was painful
The NGE, in a statement by its President and General Secretary, Messrs Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh, described Oladipo as a distinguished journalist.
The statement reads: “The Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Mr Dotun Oladipo, a distinguished journalist, former newspaper publisher and publisher of Eagles Online.
“In a career spanning several decades, Mr 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 newspaper editor and 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.
“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. We pray that God will grant the family the strength and fortitude to bear this painful loss as well as grant the departed journalist eternal rest.”
NUJ mourns
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, council, also described Oladipo’s death as a major loss to the profession.
The council, in a statement by its chairperson, Grace Ike, described the deceased as a “committed journalist, media entrepreneur, and respected colleague” whose contributions to digital journalism would remain memorable.
The council said Oladipo distinguished himself through dedication, professionalism and his commitment to the growth of journalism in Nigeria.
It added that his death had created a “huge vacuum” in the Nigerian media space, while his legacy of courage, professionalism and service would continue to inspire younger journalists.
We’re saddened by his passing — GOCOP
On its part, the GOCOP expressed sadness over the death of its former president, saying his passing is a loss to the guild and the wider Nigerian media community.
Oladipo served as GOCOP’s president from 2017 to 2021, and was among the publishers who helped shape the organisation during its formative years.
The guild said he brought years of experience from traditional media into online publishing, having worked as a journalist and editor before becoming publisher of The Eagle Online.
The GOCOP president, Mr Danlami Nmodu, said Oladipo combined his experience in journalism with an understanding of the publishing business.
“Dotun played an important role in the development of GOCOP. He led the Guild for four years at a time when there was still a lot of work to be done to establish online publishers as an important part of the media. His contribution will always be remembered.
“Dotun understood journalism, and he understood the business of publishing. He was passionate about the place of online media in Nigeria, and he gave his time to the growth of the Guild. We are saddened by his passing.”
He was a motivator, goal getter —AMACOG ‘92 set
Mourning the death of Mr Oladipo, the Association of Mass Communication Graduates (1992 set), Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, described him as a mobiliser per excellence, motivator and a goal getter.
President of the group, Mr Adekunle Adeshina, said: “It is an understatement to say that we are deeply grieved to learn of the passing of Oladipo, a highly-valued exco member of the association, on Tuesday.
“Oladipo, the Publisher of Eagle Online, beyond his professional dedication and the immense contributions he made to journalism through his Online news platform, also brought a unique warmth, kindness, and energy to the set in numerous ways too many to number.
He was a mobiliser per excellence, a motivator, a goal getter, and highly passionate, qualities that he combined to bring positive energy and development to our dear association.
“Oladipo’s commitment and dedication to our group will be greatly missed by everyone who had the opportunity of knowing him and working with him.”
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