Veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, has died.
Oladipo, a former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), died on Tuesday, August 25, after reportedly falling ill. He was 56.
His death has plunged Nigeria’s media industry into mourning.
Reacting to the news, GOCOP described Oladipo’s death as a painful loss, noting that he played a pivotal role in the growth of online journalism and the guild’s development.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Publicity Secretary, Kemi Yesufu, the guild noted that Oladipo served as GOCOP president from 2017 to 2021 and was among the publishers who laid the foundation for the organisation.
‘Oladipo entered online publishing with years of experience in traditional media. He had worked as a journalist and editor before moving into digital publishing and bringing that experience to The Eagle Online,’ the statement said.
According to GOCOP, Oladipo was an early advocate of collaboration among online publishers at a time when digital journalism was still evolving in Nigeria.
‘At a time when online news publishing was still developing in Nigeria, he was among those who saw the need for publishers to come together, share ideas and build a stronger professional community,’ the guild said.
It added that during his four-year tenure as president, Oladipo dedicated himself to strengthening the organisation and representing online publishers’ interests.
‘As President between 2017 and 2021, Oladipo devoted considerable time to the Guild’s affairs. He represented GOCOP at various engagements and worked with members as the organisation navigated the opportunities and challenges of the rapid growth of online publishing,’ the statement added.
GOCOP President Danlami Nmodu described Oladipo as a key figure in the Guild’s evolution.
‘Dotun played an important role in the development of GOCOP. He led the Guild for four years at a time when there was still much work to be done to establish online publishers as an important part of the media. His contribution will always be remembered,’ Nmodu said.
He added: ‘Dotun understood journalism and 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.’
Before establishing The Eagle Online, Oladipo had a distinguished career in print journalism, serving as Politics Editor and Editorial Board member at PUNCH Newspapers. He also worked with the Nigerian Tribune, Nigerian Compass and The Sun before venturing into digital publishing.
He was also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Eagle Media Limited, the parent company of The Eagle Online.
GOCOP extended its condolences to Oladipo’s family, the management and staff of The Eagle Online, and the wider media community, and said it would work with his family and associates to honour his memory.