NIGERIA: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have mourned the sudden death of Dotun Oladipo, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of The Eagle Online, describing the veteran journalist’s death as a major loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the nation.
Oladipo, 56, who was a past President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), was also a former Political Editor of The PUNCH newspaper.
In separate condolence messages on Wednesday, Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu commended Oladipo’s contributions to journalism, particularly political reporting and the development of online journalism in Nigeria.
Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Oladipo’s death as a “painful loss” to the Nigerian media community and the country.
The President said the late journalist’s career reflected the critical role of the media in strengthening democracy through informing citizens, holding public officials accountable and providing platforms for public discourse.
He recalled Oladipo’s dedication to journalism and his role in advancing digital journalism through The Eagle Online, which he founded after his years at The 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,” Tinubu said.
He added that Oladipo’s contributions to political journalism and the digital media space would not be forgotten.
Tinubu extended his condolences to Oladipo’s family, colleagues in GOCOP and friends, praying that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
Similarly, Sanwo-Olu described Oladipo’s death as “shocking, painful, and heartbreaking,” saying the veteran journalist made significant contributions to the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria.
The governor, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, commiserated with Oladipo’s family, management and staff of Premium Eagle Media Limited, publishers of The Eagle Online, as well as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), GOCOP and Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE).
Sanwo-Olu described Oladipo as a “cerebral and prolific writer” whose pioneering work contributed significantly to the growth of online journalism in Nigeria.
He said the late media entrepreneur’s sudden death had left his family, friends, colleagues and associates in shock, urging them to find solace in the achievements of his life and accept the loss as the will of God.
“Dotun’s sudden death is shocking and painful, but we should find solace in the modest achievements of the late Publisher,” Sanwo-Olu said.
According to the governor, Oladipo “led an exemplary life,” describing him as a dutiful husband, good father and journalist who touched numerous lives through his profession.
Sanwo-Olu also recalled his personal encounters with the deceased during media engagements, describing him as brilliant, calm and professional in presenting issues.
“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,” he said.
The governor particularly recalled Oladipo’s presentation of GOCOP’s case during a media engagement about three years ago, saying, “You can’t but listen to him.”
Both leaders acknowledged Oladipo’s impact on Nigerian journalism, particularly his contribution to political reporting and the emergence and growth of digital media.
Sanwo-Olu, on behalf of his family and the Lagos State Government, extended his condolences to the Oladipo family, the media industry, friends and journalists across Nigeria, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss.
Oladipo’s death has continued to generate tributes within Nigeria’s media community, where he was widely recognised for his years of journalism, leadership and advocacy for the growth of online publishing.
