Tinubu, Akpabio, Sanwo-Olu mourn veteran journalist Dotun Oladipo

President Bola Tinubu, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have mourned the death of veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo.

Oladipo, a former Political Editor of The Punch newspaper and one-time President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), died at the age of 56.

Tinubu: His contributions will not be forgotten
President Tinubu expressed deep sadness over Oladipo’s death, describing it as a painful loss to the Nigerian media community and the nation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President acknowledged Oladipo’s contributions to journalism, particularly political reporting and the development of digital media.

Tinubu said Oladipo dedicated many years to informing Nigerians through traditional and digital media platforms and contributed to democracy by providing credible information and platforms for public discourse.

The President 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,” Tinubu said.

He extended his condolences to Oladipo’s family, colleagues in GOCOP and friends, and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Akpabio: He was courageous, principled
Akpabio also described Oladipo’s death as a painful loss to the Nigerian media industry and the nation, noting his contributions to journalism, public discourse and the growth of online media.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President commiserated with Oladipo’s family, friends, colleagues and professional associates, particularly members of GOCOP, where the deceased served as President.

Akpabio described Oladipo as a courageous, principled and dedicated journalist who devoted much 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,” Akpabio said.

He said Oladipo understood the responsibility of a free and responsible press to listen, question and speak truth to power, adding that his life demonstrated how journalism could contribute to democracy and national development.

Akpabio urged media practitioners to uphold and build on Oladipo’s legacy of professionalism, integrity, courage and commitment to the public interest.

He prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family, friends and colleagues the strength to bear the loss.

Sanwo-Olu: His death shocking, painful
Similarly, Sanwo-Olu described Oladipo’s death as shocking, painful and heartbreaking.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, as well as the management and staff of Premium Eagle Media Limited, publishers of The Eagle Online, where Oladipo served as Managing Editor and Chief Executive Officer.

He also commiserated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), GOCOP and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), describing Oladipo as a cerebral and prolific writer.

Sanwo-Olu said the death of the former GOCOP President came as a rude shock to his family, friends, colleagues and associates.

“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 said.

The governor said Oladipo made significant contributions to journalism, particularly through his pioneering work in online publishing in Nigeria.

He described the late journalist as an exemplary professional who also made a positive impact on those around him.

“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,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor recalled his personal encounters with Oladipo during engagements with members of the media, describing him as brilliant, calm and highly professional.

He also recalled Oladipo’s presentation of GOCOP’s case during an engagement about three years ago, saying, “You can’t but listen to him.”

Sanwo-Olu extended his sympathies to the Oladipo family, the media community, his friends and colleagues, and journalists across the country.

He prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss.

Oladipo was a veteran journalist who moved from mainstream journalism into digital publishing and became publisher of The Eagle Online.

He served as President of GOCOP from 2017 to 2021, during a period of rapid growth in Nigeria’s online media industry.

His death has drawn tributes from political leaders and media organisations across the country.