Prominent Nigerian politicians, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, have paid tribute to Dotun Oladipo, publisher of EagleOnline and former President of the Online Publishers Association of Nigeria, following news of his death at age 56.
In his condolence message, Atiku described the news of Oladipo’s passing as deeply painful, noting that the late publisher was not just an extraordinary journalist but an extraordinary human being.
“He was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word: gracious, thoughtful, decent, and humble,” Atiku said, adding that Oladipo was deeply committed to his craft and to the values of truth, professionalism, and public service.
The former Vice President said beyond his professional accomplishments, Oladipo would be remembered as warm, generous in spirit, respectful of others, and always willing to engage with kindness.
“Nigeria’s journalism community, particularly the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), has lost a distinguished professional. His friends and colleagues have lost a dependable and gracious companion. And the many people whose lives he touched have lost a truly good man,” he said, praying that Oladipo’s memory would remain a blessing and that God would grant his family, colleagues, and friends the strength to bear the loss.
Also reacting, Obi, in a statement titled “Farewell to a Courageous Journalist: Dotun Oladipo,” said he received the news with profound sadness.
He described Oladipo as a courageous and committed professional who dedicated his life to journalism, public enlightenment, and the defence of truth and democratic values.
“Through his journalism and leadership, he made a lasting contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s online media and the strengthening of our democracy,” Obi said, adding that his death was a painful loss to his family, the journalism profession, the media community, and Nigeria as a whole.
Obi extended his condolences to Oladipo’s family, colleagues, friends, and the entire Nigerian media community, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss and grant the late publisher eternal rest.
