Tinubu, NGE, IPI, GOCOP Mourn Journalist Oladipo

By Jonathan Nda- Isaiah and Samson Elijah, Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Guild Of Editors (NGE), the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) have expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr Dotun Oladipo, former Political Editor of The Punch newspaper and Publisher of The Eagle Online.

Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, acknowledged the deceased’s contributions to journalism, particularly his years of dedicated service in political reporting and his commitment to providing Nigerians with credible information through both traditional and digital media platforms.

The President said Oladipo’s professional career reflected the important role journalists play in strengthening democracy by informing citizens, holding public officials accountable and providing platforms for robust public discourse.

He recalled the deceased’s passion for his profession and his contributions to the growth of digital journalism through The Eagle Online, which he founded after his remarkable career at Punch Newspaper.

“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 noted.

NGE,IPI, GOCOP Mourn Oladipo

Also, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) said it received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Dr Samson Dotun Oladipo.

In a statement jointly signed by the President, Eze Anaba and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh,General Secretary, the NGE described late Oladipo as a gentleman, a distinguished journalist, a former newspaper editor, and a publisher of Eagles Online.

“In a career spanning several decades, Dr 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 indelible mark.

“As a former 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 helped spur the growth of the elite media professional body.”

In another statement, the Board of Trustees, the National Executive Committee, and the entire membership of the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) have commiserated with the family and associates of Mr Dotun Oladipo over the passing of the journalist, publisher, and entrepreneur.

Mr Oladipo died on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, in Lagos.

A statement signed by Musikilu Mojeed, President of IPI Nigeria, described Oladipo as an excellent Nigerian journalist and passionate defender of press freedom.

The statement described Oladipo as a highly dependable, resourceful, professional, amiable and deeply committed member of IPI Nigeria.

“These qualities endeared him to colleagues and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

“His affable disposition, dedication and can-do spirit led IPI Nigeria to appoint him Chairman of its Programmes Committee in 2024. He embraced the responsibility with characteristic enthusiasm and diligence, contributing significantly to the Institute’s activities and successes.

“Despite the demands of running The Eagle Online, which he founded and published, Mr Oladipo consistently made time to undertake and deliver on assignments entrusted to him by IPI Nigeria,” the statement said.

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Kemi Yesufu, described the death of its former president, Oladipo, as a major loss to the organisation and the wider Nigerian media community.

Oladipo began his journalism career in the traditional media, working as a journalist and editor before moving into digital publishing and establishing The Eagle Online.

GOCOP said his transition to online publishing came at a time when digital journalism was still developing in Nigeria.

It noted that he was among the publishers who recognised the need for online publishers to come together, share ideas and build a stronger professional community.

“During his four-year tenure as GOCOP President, Oladipo devoted considerable time to the affairs of the Guild, representing the organisation at various engagements and working with members as the online publishing industry experienced rapid growth,” the statement said.

Reacting to his death, the current GOCOP President, Danlami Nmodu, described the development as painful and commended Oladipo’s contributions to the growth of the Guild.

“Dotun played an important role in the development of GOCOP. He led the Guild for four years, at a time when much work remained to establish online publishers as an important part of the media. His contribution will always be remembered,” Nmodu said.

He added that Oladipo brought his experience as a journalist and publisher to the Guild’s leadership.

“Dotun understood journalism, and he understood the business of publishing. He was passionate about the role of online media in Nigeria and devoted his time to the Guild’s growth. His passing saddens us,” he said.

According to GOCOP, Oladipo’s journalism career began long before online publishing became a major source of news in Nigeria.

“His experience in reporting, editing and newsroom management provided a strong foundation for his later work in digital media.

“As publisher of The Eagle Online, he became part of a generation of journalists and publishers who moved into the digital space as the internet transformed how Nigerians accessed and shared news,” the statement said.

The Guild said Oladipo’s years in GOCOP coincided with rapid growth in online publishing, as new news platforms emerged and social media increasingly influenced how stories reached audiences.

GOCOP said his contribution should be viewed against the backdrop of this transformation in Nigeria’s media industry.

The Guild also remembered Oladipo as a colleague who maintained relationships with publishers across the country and remained interested in the association’s affairs after leaving office.

GOCOP extended its condolences to Oladipo’s family, the management and staff of The Eagle Online, and his friends and colleagues in the media industry.

The Guild said it would work with his family and associates on plans to honour his memory.