By Nathaniel Zaccheus, Abuja with agency reports
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of Mr Dotun Oladipo, former Political Editor of The Punch newspaper and Publisher of The Eagle Online.
Tinubu described Oladipo’s death at 56 as a painful loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the nation, commending his contributions to journalism and democracy.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The President acknowledged Oladipo’s dedicated service in political reporting and his commitment to providing Nigerians with credible information through traditional and digital media platforms.
He said Oladipo’s career reflected the important role of journalists in strengthening democracy by informing citizens, holding public officials accountable and promoting robust public discourse.
Tinubu recalled Oladipo’s passion for journalism and contributions to the growth of digital media through The Eagle Online, which he founded after his career at The Punch.
He 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.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oladipo died on Tuesday after he suddenly took ill in his office in Lagos.
*Akpabio: Oladipo’s legacy ‘ll inspire journalists
Also, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio described the death of veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, as a major loss to Nigeria’s media industry and democratic development.
Akpabio said Oladipo’s enduring contributions to journalism, public discourse and the development of online media would continue to inspire journalists committed to professional excellence, integrity and the public interest.
The Senate President, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, commiserated with Oladipo’s family, friends, colleagues and professional associates, particularly members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), where the deceased served as Emeritus President.
Akpabio described Oladipo as a courageous, principled and dedicated journalist who devoted a significant part of his life to the pursuit of truth and responsible journalism.
“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,” he said.
The Senate President noted that Oladipo understood the critical responsibility of the media in a democratic society, particularly the need for journalists to question authority, present diverse perspectives and hold public officials accountable.
He recalled the words of philosopher John Stuart Mill that, “He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that,” saying Oladipo exemplified the principle that a free and responsible press must listen, question and speak truth to power.
According to Akpabio, the late journalist’s career demonstrated that journalism anchored on courage, conscience and professionalism could contribute significantly to strengthening democracy and advancing society.
He urged journalists and media practitioners across the country to uphold the values Oladipo represented, including professionalism, integrity, courage and an unwavering commitment to the public interest.
Akpabio also prayed that God Almighty would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
“May God acquaint his soul with the compass of His course,” the Senate President added.
*NGE mourns Oladipo
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed profound sadness over the death of Dr. Samson Dotun Oladipo, a distinguished journalist, former newspaper editor and publisher of Eagles Online, describing his passing as a painful loss to the Nigerian media community.
In a statement signed by the NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild described Oladipo as “a gentleman, distinguished journalist, former newspaper editor, and publisher” whose decades-long career was marked by professionalism, courage, intellectual depth and commitment to journalism and nation-building.
The Guild said Oladipo made significant contributions to the growth and development of the Nigerian media, particularly through his work as a journalist and publisher and his commitment to the evolving digital media landscape.
The Guild described the late journalist as more than a media practitioner, noting that he was also a respected colleague, mentor and contributor to the continuing evolution of Nigeria’s media industry.
“His death is a great loss to his family, colleagues, the journalism profession and the wider media community,” the Guild said.
The NGE said Oladipo left behind a legacy of hard work, professional excellence, courage and service that would continue to inspire journalists and others who knew and worked with him.
It also prayed for the eternal repose of the deceased, saying his memory would remain a blessing to those who knew him and that his contributions to Nigerian journalism would endure.
