President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have expressed deep grief over the sudden death of Mr. Dotun Oladipo, former Political Editor of The Punch newspaper and Publisher of The Eagle Online, who passed away at the age of 56.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Oladipo’s death as a painful loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the nation at large, acknowledging the deceased’s contributions to journalism through years of dedicated political reporting and credible information dissemination across both traditional and digital media platforms.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu noted that 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 late publisher’s passion for the profession and his contributions to the growth of digital journalism through The Eagle Online, which he founded after a remarkable career at The Punch.
Also Read: Dotun Oladipo (1970–2026) — A pioneer who gave Online Publishing a voice
“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,” the President added.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the death as shocking, painful and heartbreaking.
He extended condolences to Oladipo’s immediate and extended families, the management and staff of Premium Eagle Media Limited — publishers of The Eagle Online, where the deceased served as Managing Editor and Chief Executive Officer — as well as the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers and the Nigeria Guild of Editors.
The governor described Oladipo, a former President of GOCOP, as a cerebral and prolific writer whose pioneering work in online journalism contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of the profession in Nigeria.
“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 stated.
Reflecting on personal encounters with the late journalist, the governor said: “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.”
Urging the bereaved to take solace in the deceased’s legacy, Sanwo-Olu added: “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.”
Oladipo was regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost political journalists and a pioneer of digital journalism in the country, having transitioned from a distinguished career in print media to establish one of the nation’s leading online news platforms.
Crediblenewsng.com
