Late Dotun Oladipo
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, have expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, describing his passing as a major loss to Nigeria’s media industry and democratic development.
In separate condolence messages issued on Thursday, the two leaders paid glowing tributes to the late journalist, praising his professionalism, courage and unwavering commitment to ethical journalism throughout his career.
Akpabio said Oladipo’s death was a painful blow to the journalism profession and the nation, noting that the deceased made remarkable contributions to public discourse and the growth of online journalism in Nigeria. He also extended his condolences to Oladipo’s family, friends, colleagues and members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), where the late journalist served as Emeritus President.
“Dotun Oladipo was a courageous, principled and dedicated journalist who devoted a significant part of his life to the pursuit of truth, responsible journalism and the advancement of society.
“His sudden passing is a profound loss to his family, the journalism profession and Nigeria as a whole. His immense contributions to the development of online journalism, as well as his commitment to professional excellence, integrity and public interest, will remain indelible.
“As the philosopher John Stuart Mill reminded us, ‘He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that.’ Dotun understood that a free and responsible press must listen, question and speak truth to power. His life demonstrated that journalism, when guided by courage and conscience, can illuminate society and strengthen democracy.
“His legacy will continue to inspire journalists and media professionals who believe in the power of responsible journalism to strengthen democracy and contribute to national development,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President prayed for the peaceful repose of Oladipo’s soul and urged media practitioners across the country to uphold the values of professionalism, integrity, courage and dedication to public service that defined the late journalist’s career.
He added: “May God acquaint his soul with the compass of His course.”
Also mourning the veteran journalist, APC National Chairman Professor Yilwatda described Oladipo’s death as a painful loss that has left a huge vacuum in the Nigerian media landscape.
According to him, the country has lost one of its most respected journalists at a time when experienced, courageous and responsible voices remain essential to national development.
“Dotun Oladipo was not merely a journalist; he was a committed professional who understood the enormous responsibility of the media to society. His sudden departure is deeply painful and has understandably thrown the Nigerian media industry into mourning.
“He brought professionalism, courage and intellectual depth to his work and remained committed to the ideals of journalism as an instrument for informing citizens, holding institutions accountable and strengthening democracy.
“His death is a significant loss not only to his family, colleagues and friends, but also to Nigeria’s democratic project and the broader media community.”
Yilwatda extended condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues and the entire Nigerian media fraternity, urging them to draw strength from the enduring legacy left behind by the late publisher.
“On behalf of my family, the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Dotun Oladipo and the entire Nigerian media. May God grant him eternal rest and comfort all those he left behind,” he said.
The tributes from both leaders add to the growing wave of condolences pouring in from across Nigeria, reflecting the immense respect Oladipo earned for his contributions to journalism, press freedom and the advancement of online media in the country.
