LAGOS, NIGERIA — The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has announced the death of its former President and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, who passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the age of 56.
Oladipo, who led the professional body of digital news publishers from 2017 to 2021, was widely recognized as a pioneering figure in Nigeria’s transition from traditional journalism to digital publishing.
Reacting to the news, current GOCOP President Danlami Nmodu described Oladipo’s passing as a painful loss to both the association and the wider media landscape.
“Dotun played an important role in the development of GOCOP,” Nmodu stated. “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. Dotun understood journalism and he understood the business of publishing. His contribution will always be remembered.”
Oladipo’s career spanned decades across mainstream and digital newsrooms. He built a foundational career as a reporter, editor, and newsroom manager in Nigeria’s print media before transitioning to online journalism. He later founded The Eagle Online, helping drive credibility and structure in Nigeria’s emerging digital news space. During his tenure as GOCOP President between 2017 and 2021, he helped transform the association from an informal group into a recognized institution representing professional online publishers.
According to a statement signed by GOCOP Publicity Secretary Kemi Yesufu, Oladipo remained an active mentor and supportive colleague across the industry long after his presidency ended.
The Guild has extended its condolences to Oladipo’s family, the staff of The Eagle Online, and the media community at large, adding that it will collaborate with his family to arrange suitable plans to honor his memory.
