By Our Reporter
The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has expressed grief 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.
He served as President of GOCOP from 2017 to 2021 and was among the publishers who played significant roles in shaping the organisation during its formative years.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Kemi Yesufu, GOCOP described Oladipo’s death as a major loss to the Guild and the wider Nigerian media community.
The Guild noted that Oladipo brought extensive experience from the traditional media into online publishing, having worked as a journalist and editor before establishing The Eagle Online.
According to GOCOP, Oladipo was among the early media professionals who recognised the importance of bringing online publishers together at a time when digital journalism was still developing in Nigeria.
The Guild said his tenure as president coincided with a period of rapid expansion in online publishing, as more digital news platforms emerged and social media increasingly transformed the way Nigerians accessed and shared information.
GOCOP President, Danlami Nmodu, described Oladipo’s death as painful, noting his contributions to the development of the Guild.
“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 brought his experience as both a journalist and publisher to his leadership of the organisation.
“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 journalism career began before online publishing became a major source of news in Nigeria. His experience in mainstream journalism provided him with a background in reporting, editing and newsroom management.
He later transitioned into digital publishing and became the publisher of The Eagle Online, joining a growing number of journalists who embraced the internet as the media landscape changed.
GOCOP said Oladipo remained actively interested in the affairs of the Guild after leaving office and maintained relationships with publishers across the country.
The organisation extended its condolences to his family, the management and staff of The Eagle Online, as well as his friends and colleagues in the media industry.
The Guild said it would work with his family and associates on plans to honour his memory.