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The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, has expressed deep sadness over the death of its former President and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo.
Mr Oladipo, who led the Guild between 2017 and 2021, died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the age of 56.
His death has triggered tributes within the Nigerian media industry, with colleagues describing him as one of the publishers who contributed significantly to the development of online journalism and the growth of GOCOP during its formative years.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Kemi Yesufu, GOCOP described Oladipo’s death as a loss not only to the Guild but also to the wider Nigerian media community.
The Guild said Oladipo was among the early online publishers who recognised the importance of creating a professional platform through which digital publishers could collaborate, exchange ideas and address the emerging challenges confronting online journalism.
According to the organisation, Oladipo brought considerable experience from the traditional media into online publishing after working as a journalist and editor before establishing himself in the digital media space.
He subsequently became publisher of The Eagle Online, where he applied his experience in reporting, editing and newsroom management at a time when internet-based news publishing was rapidly transforming Nigeria’s media landscape.
GOCOP said Oladipo’s leadership of the Guild coincided with a critical period in the development of online publishing, as more digital news platforms emerged and social media increasingly became an important channel for news distribution and public engagement.
During his four-year tenure as GOCOP President, the Guild said, Oladipo devoted considerable time to the affairs of the organisation and represented it at various engagements.
He also worked with members as the Guild sought to strengthen the professional standing of online publishers and respond to the opportunities and challenges created by the rapid expansion of digital journalism.
Reacting to the death, GOCOP President, Danlami Nmodu, described the development as painful and said Oladipo’s contribution to the Guild would remain part of its history.
“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.
Nmodu also commended Oladipo for combining his journalism background with an understanding of the business of publishing.
“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,” he said.
Oladipo’s career in journalism predated the emergence of online platforms as a dominant source of news in Nigeria. His experience in mainstream media, according to GOCOP, provided him with a solid foundation in journalism and newsroom operations before he transitioned fully into digital publishing.
His move into online publishing placed him among a generation of Nigerian journalists and publishers who embraced the internet as a new platform for gathering, producing and distributing news.
GOCOP said his contribution to the Guild should be viewed within the context of the significant transformation taking place in the Nigerian media industry during his years of leadership.
The Guild noted that online publishing was expanding rapidly during the period, while social media was changing the relationship between news organisations and their audiences.
It said Oladipo was part of the process through which online publishers increasingly established themselves as important stakeholders in Nigeria’s media ecosystem.
Beyond his tenure as president, the Guild said Oladipo remained connected to fellow publishers and continued to take an interest in the affairs of the organisation.
“He maintained relationships with publishers across the country and took an active interest in the affairs of the organisation even after leaving office,” the statement said.
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 said it would work with his family and associates on arrangements to honour his memory and recognise his contributions to the development of online publishing and the organisation.
The death of Oladipo comes at a time when Nigeria’s media industry continues to undergo significant changes driven by digital technology, changing audience behaviour and the growing influence of online platforms.
For GOCOP, his four years at the helm remain an important part of the Guild’s institutional history, particularly its efforts to strengthen the voice and professional identity of corporate online publishers in Nigeria.
