President Bola Ahmed Tinubu describes the death of The Eagle Online publisher as a painful loss to Nigeria’s media and democratic discourse

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the death of veteran journalist and Publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, who died in Lagos on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the age of 56.

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In a condolence message 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 wider nation.

Oladipo, a former Politics Editor of PUNCH Newspapers, had spent nearly three decades in journalism, working across traditional and digital media before establishing The Eagle Online. He also served as president of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers from 2017 to 2021. (Punch Newspapers)

Tinubu said Oladipo’s career reflected the important role of journalism in a democracy, particularly through informing citizens, holding public officials accountable and providing space for public debate.

“Dotun Oladipo’s death at the age of 56 is a painful loss to the Nigerian media community and to our nation,” Tinubu said.

“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 also praised Oladipo’s contribution to the growth of digital journalism through The Eagle Online, which he founded after his years in the traditional newsroom.

“He was passionate about journalism and contributed immensely to the development of digital media through The Eagle Online,” Tinubu said, adding that Oladipo’s contributions to political journalism and the digital media space “will not be forgotten”.

Oladipo’s death was announced by The Eagle Online after he reportedly became suddenly ill at his office in Lagos on Tuesday. The publication described his death as a shock to colleagues, friends and associates. (Punch Newspapers)

His passing has since prompted an outpouring of grief across the Nigerian media community.

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers said Oladipo helped shape the organisation during its formative years and devoted considerable time to strengthening the professional community of online publishers. (Punch Newspapers)

GOCOP President Danlami Nmodu described the loss as painful, recalling Oladipo’s understanding of both journalism and the business of publishing.

“Dotun played an important role in the development of GOCOP,” Nmodu said. “His contribution will always be remembered.” (Punch Newspapers)

Before establishing The Eagle Online, Oladipo worked with several Nigerian media organisations, including Nigerian Tribune, Nigerian Compass, The Sun and PUNCH Newspapers, where he served as Politics Editor and was also a member of the editorial board. (Punch Newspapers)

His transition from traditional journalism into online publishing coincided with the rapid expansion of digital news platforms in Nigeria.

Through The Eagle Online, Oladipo became an important voice in that transformation, combining his newsroom experience with the immediacy of digital reporting.

His professional journey also extended beyond journalism. Oladipo was the founding president of the Innovative Media Partners Cooperative Multipurpose Society and was serving in that capacity before his death. (Qed.ng)

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, also mourned the journalist, describing his death as a significant loss to the profession and praising his dedication to the growth of journalism, particularly digital media. (The Eagle Online)

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu similarly described the death as “shocking, painful, and heartbreaking”, extending condolences to Oladipo’s family, colleagues and professional bodies. (The Eagle Online)

For President Tinubu, the loss is not only that of an experienced journalist but also of a practitioner who contributed to the evolving relationship between the media, technology and democratic participation.

Tinubu extended his condolences to Oladipo’s family, colleagues at The Eagle Online, members of GOCOP and his friends, while praying for strength for those mourning his death.

At 56, Oladipo leaves behind a powerful professional legacy spanning traditional newspaper journalism, political reporting and Nigeria’s increasingly influential digital media landscape.

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His death has left colleagues mourning a journalist who witnessed and participated in a significant transformation of Nigeria’s media industry, from the conventional newsroom to the fast-moving world of online publishing.