President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, the leadership of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) have expressed shock and grief over the death of the Publisher of The Eagle online newspaper, Mr. Dotun Oladipo. He died on August 25, 2026 in Lagos through suspected heart attack.
In a message issued by his Special Adviser on media and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu 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. 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, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, said that although the death of Oladipo, the immediate past President of GOCOP, was a rude shock to his family, friends, colleagues and associates, they should accept it as the will of God.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
The President of GOCOP, Danlami Nmodu, mni, in a message signed by the GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Kemi Yesufu said: “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.”
Nmodu said that Oladipo brought his experience as a journalist and publisher to the leadership of the Guild.
“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.”
Also, the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in a statement by his spokesperson, Hon Eseme Eyiboh said: “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.
The Senate President prayed that God Almighty would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, in a statement by his spokesperson, Abimbola Tooki said: “Dotun Oladipo was not merely a journalist; he was a committed professional who understood the enormous responsibility of the media to society. His sudden departure is deeply painful and has understandably thrown the Nigerian media industry into mourning.
“He brought professionalism, courage and intellectual depth to his work and remained committed to the ideals of journalism as an instrument for informing citizens, holding institutions accountable and strengthening democracy.
“His death is a significant loss not only to his family, colleagues and friends, but also to Nigeria’s democratic project and the broader media community.”
Professor Yilwatda prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
