Nigerian Journalist Dotun Oladipo Dies at 56

Veteran journalist and media entrepreneur Dotun Oladipo, publisher of The Eagle Online, died suddenly in Lagos on August 25, 2026, at the age of 56.

Oladipo spent nearly three decades in the industry, serving as the Political Editor of PUNCH Newspapers and working with publications including Newswatch, The Compass, Nigerian Tribune, and The Sun. He founded The Eagle Online approximately 15 years ago and served as the president of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers from 2017 to 2021.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the death as a "painful loss to the Nigerian media community and to our nation," noting that Oladipo's career helped strengthen democracy by holding public officials accountable. Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio characterized Oladipo as a "courageous, principled and dedicated journalist" who devoted his life to the pursuit of truth.

Professional bodies also issued tributes. The International Press Institute Nigeria remembered him as a passionate defender of press freedom who chaired its Programmes Committee starting in 2024. The Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council stated that his passing leaves a significant vacuum in the media community, particularly regarding the mentorship of new journalists in the digital landscape.