GOCOP Mourns Former President, Dotun Oladipo
THE Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has expressed sadness 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.
He served as President of GOCOP from 2017 to 2021 and was among the publishers who played significant roles in shaping the Guild during its formative years.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Kemi Yesufu, GOCOP described Oladipo’s death as a loss to the Guild and the wider Nigerian media industry.
Oladipo began his journalism career in the traditional media before moving into online publishing. His experience as a journalist and editor provided a strong foundation for his work as the publisher of The Eagle Online.
At a time when digital journalism was still developing in Nigeria, he was among the publishers who recognised the need for online media practitioners to work together, exchange ideas and build a stronger professional community.
His tenure as GOCOP President coincided with a period of rapid growth in online publishing, as more digital news platforms emerged and social media increasingly transformed the way Nigerians accessed and shared information.
As President between 2017 and 2021, Oladipo devoted considerable attention to the affairs of the Guild. He represented GOCOP at various engagements and worked with members to address the opportunities and challenges confronting the emerging online publishing industry.
Reacting to his death, GOCOP President, Danlami Nmodu, described the development as painful for the Guild.
“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 noted that Oladipo brought his journalism and publishing experience to the leadership of the Guild.
“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.
GOCOP said Oladipo’s contribution to the online publishing industry should be viewed against the backdrop of the rapid transformation of Nigeria’s media landscape.
The Guild recalled that his career in mainstream journalism had equipped him with experience in reporting, editing and newsroom management before he ventured into digital publishing.
As Publisher of The Eagle Online, he became part of the growing community of journalists and media entrepreneurs who embraced digital platforms as the internet transformed news consumption in Nigeria.
GOCOP also remembered Oladipo as a colleague who maintained relationships with publishers across the country and remained interested in the affairs of the organisation after leaving office.
The Guild extended its condolences to Oladipo’s family, the management and staff of The Eagle Online, as well as his friends and colleagues in the media industry.
GOCOP said it would work with his family and associates on appropriate plans to honour his memory and contributions to the growth of online journalism in Nigeria.
