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.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Publicity Secretary, Kemi Yesufu, GOCOP described the late publisher as one of the key figures who contributed to the growth of the guild during its formative years.
Oladipo served as GOCOP president between 2017 and 2021, having transitioned into online publishing after a career in traditional journalism.
“Oladipo came into online publishing with years of experience in the traditional media. He had worked as a journalist and editor before moving into digital publishing and bringing that experience to The Eagle Online.
“At a time when online news publishing was still developing in Nigeria, he was among those who saw the need for publishers to come together, share ideas and build a stronger professional community.
“As President between 2017 and 2021, Oladipo devoted considerable 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 read.
GOCOP President Danlami Nmodu described Oladipo’s death as a major loss to the organisation and the wider online publishing industry.
“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 further praised Oladipo for combining his knowledge of journalism with his understanding of the publishing business.
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“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 added.
Oladipo was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Eagle Media Limited, the parent company of The Eagle Online. His death was announced by the publication on Wednesday.
The newspaper described his passing as a “shock”, noting that he was in his “usual state of health earlier in the day before suddenly taking ill at his office.”
Before establishing The Eagle Online, Oladipo built an extensive career in Nigerian journalism. He worked as politics editor at PUNCH Newspapers and was also a member of the newspaper’s editorial board.
He later worked with Nigerian Tribune, Nigerian Compass and The Sun before venturing into digital publishing.
Oladipo obtained a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, in 1992.
GOCOP extended its condolences to his family, the management and staff of The Eagle Online, as well as his friends and colleagues across the media industry.
The guild also said it would collaborate with his family and associates to make arrangements to honour his contributions and preserve his memory.