The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has expressed sadness over the death of its former president and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo.
Oladipo died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the age of 56.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Publicity Secretary, Kemi Yesufu, GOCOP described Oladipo as one of the publishers who played a significant role in shaping the guild during its formative years.
The guild said Oladipo brought extensive experience from traditional journalism into online publishing, having worked as a journalist and editor before establishing The Eagle Online.
“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 statement said.
Oladipo served as GOCOP president between 2017 and 2021, during which the guild said he devoted considerable time to its activities and represented the organisation at various engagements.
According to the guild, his leadership came at a period when online publishing was experiencing rapid growth and facing several professional and business challenges.
The President of GOCOP, Danlami Nmodu, described Oladipo’s death as painful, noting that the deceased played an important role in the development of the organisation.
“Dotun played an important role in the development of GOCOP. He led the Guild for four years at a time when there was still a lot of 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 that Oladipo combined his understanding of journalism with knowledge of the publishing business in his service to the guild.
“Dotun understood journalism and he understood 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,” Nmodu added.
Oladipo was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Eagle Media Limited, the parent company of The Eagle Online.
His death was announced on the publication’s website early Wednesday, with the newspaper describing the development as a shock.
According to the publication, Oladipo was in his usual state of health earlier on Tuesday before he suddenly took ill at his office.
The deceased had a long career in Nigerian journalism, including a stint as the Politics Editor of PUNCH Newspapers, where he also served on the newspaper’s editorial board.
After leaving PUNCH, Oladipo worked with several other prominent Nigerian newspapers, including Nigerian Tribune, Nigerian Compass and The Sun, before establishing The Eagle Online.
He obtained a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, in 1992.
GOCOP extended its condolences to Oladipo’s family, the management and staff of The Eagle Online, as well as his friends, colleagues and associates across the media industry.
The guild also said it would work with his family and associates on plans to honour his memory and preserve his contributions to journalism and online publishing in Nigeria.