Online Publishers Mourn Veteran Journalist, Former GOCOP President Dotun Oladipo

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.

The guild’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Publicity Secretary, Kemi Yesufu.

GOCOP said Oladipo served as president of the organisation from 2017 to 2021 and was among the publishers who played an important role in shaping the guild during its formative years.

According to the organisation, Oladipo brought several years of experience in traditional journalism into online publishing.

“He had worked as a journalist and editor before moving into digital publishing and bringing that experience to The Eagle Online,” the statement said.

The guild noted that Oladipo entered online publishing at a time when the sector was still developing in Nigeria.

It said he recognised the importance of publishers working together to exchange ideas and establish a stronger professional community.

During his four-year tenure as GOCOP president, the organisation said Oladipo devoted significant time to the affairs of the guild.

“He represented GOCOP at different engagements and worked with members as the organisation dealt with the opportunities and challenges that came with the rapid growth of online publishing,” the statement added.

The current President of GOCOP, Danlami Nmodu, described Oladipo’s death as painful for the guild and the wider online publishing community.

Nmodu said Oladipo made significant contributions to the development of GOCOP and led the guild at a period when there was considerable work to be done to establish online publishers as an important component of Nigeria’s media industry.

“His contribution will always be remembered,” Nmodu said.

He also praised Oladipo’s professional experience, noting that the late publisher understood both journalism and the business side of publishing.

“Dotun understood journalism and he understood the business of publishing,” Nmodu said.

GOCOP described Oladipo as a committed professional whose leadership and contributions helped strengthen the guild and the emerging online media industry.

His death has been met with tributes from colleagues and members of Nigeria’s media community, who are expected to continue honouring his contributions to journalism and digital publishing.