The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has expressed deep sadness over the death of its former President, Dotun Oladipo, publisher of The Eagle Online.
Oladipo died on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, at the age of 56.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Kemi Yesufu, described his death as a major loss to the Guild and the wider Nigerian media community.
Oladipo served as President of GOCOP from 2017 to 2021 and was among the publishers who played a key role in shaping and strengthening the organisation during its formative years.
Before venturing into online publishing, Oladipo built a career in traditional journalism, working as a journalist and editor before bringing his experience to the digital media space as the publisher of The Eagle Online.
GOCOP said he was among the media practitioners who recognised the need for online publishers to work together, share ideas and build a stronger professional community at a time when digital journalism was still developing in Nigeria.
His tenure as President coincided with a period of growth for the Guild, as online news platforms expanded and digital media became increasingly influential in the Nigerian media landscape.
GOCOP President, Danlami Nmodu, described Oladipo’s death as painful and said his contributions to the development of the Guild would not be forgotten.
“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 added that Oladipo brought his experience as a journalist and publisher to the leadership of the organisation.
“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,” Nmodu said.
According to the Guild, Oladipo remained actively interested in the affairs of GOCOP and maintained close relationships with publishers and media professionals across the country even after leaving office.
GOCOP extended its condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the management and staff of The Eagle Online.
The Guild said it would work with Oladipo’s family and associates on plans to honour his memory and preserve his legacy in the Nigerian media industry.
