President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, have mourned the death of veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, describing his passing as a painful loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the nation.
Oladipo, 56, was a former Political Editor of The Punch newspaper and a past President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP). His death has drawn tributes from political leaders who commended his contributions to journalism, public discourse and the development of online media in Nigeria.
President Tinubu, in a condolence message, described Oladipo’s death as a painful loss to the media community and the country, noting his years of dedicated service in political reporting and his commitment to providing Nigerians with credible information through traditional and digital platforms.
The President said Oladipo’s professional career underscored the vital 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 journalism through The Eagle Online, which he founded after his career 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.
“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,” President Tinubu said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also described Oladipo’s death as “shocking, painful, and heartbreaking,” extending his condolences to the deceased’s immediate and extended family, as well as the management and staff of Premium Eagle Media Limited, publishers of The Eagle Online.
The governor also commiserated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), GOCOP and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), describing Oladipo as a cerebral and prolific writer who made significant contributions to journalism, particularly online journalism in Nigeria.
“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,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Reflecting on Oladipo’s sudden death, the governor urged his family, friends and colleagues to find solace in the journalist’s achievements and the impact he made during his lifetime.
“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. 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,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu described Oladipo as an exemplary family man and professional who touched many lives through journalism.
“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.”
Recalling his personal encounters with the deceased, the governor said Oladipo was brilliant, calm and professional in presenting his views.
“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,” Sanwo-Olu added.
Similarly, Akpabio described Oladipo as a courageous, principled and dedicated journalist whose death represented a profound loss to his family, the profession and Nigeria.
The Senate President commiserated with the deceased’s family, friends, colleagues and professional associates, particularly members of GOCOP, where Oladipo served as Emeritus President.
“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.
“As the philosopher John Stuart Mill reminded us, ‘He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that.’ Dotun understood that a free and responsible press must listen, question and speak truth to power. His life demonstrated that journalism, when guided by courage and conscience, can illuminate society and strengthen democracy.
“His legacy will continue to inspire journalists and media professionals who believe in the power of responsible journalism to strengthen democracy and contribute to national development,” Akpabio said.
He urged members of the media to uphold and build upon Oladipo’s legacy of professionalism, integrity, courage and unwavering commitment to the public interest.
The Senate President also prayed for the repose of Oladipo’s soul and for God to grant his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“May God acquaint his soul with the compass of His course,” Akpabio added.