The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers 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.

GOCOP, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Kemi Yesufu, on Wednesday, said Oladipo served as president of the guild from 2017 to 2021 and was among the publishers who helped shape the organisation in its early years.

“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.

The President of GOCOP, Danlami Nmodu, described Oladipo’s death 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 said Oladipo brought his experience as a journalist and publisher 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,” Nmodu said.

PUNCH Online had reports Oladipo was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Premium Eagle Media Limited, the parent company of Eagle Online.

His death was announced on the Eagle Online website early Wednesday.

Describing his death as a “shock,” the publication noted that Oladipo was in his “usual state of health earlier in the day before suddenly taking ill at his office.”

Oladipo served as the politics editor at PUNCH Newspapers during his illustrious journalism career.

He also served as a member of the newspaper’s editorial board.

After leaving PUNCH Newspapers, he worked with Nigerian Tribune, Nigerian Compass, and The Sun before founding Eagle Online.

He obtained a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from the Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, in 1992.

GOCOP extended its condolences to Oladipo’s family, the management and staff of The Eagle Online, and his friends and colleagues in the media industry.

The guild said it would work with his family and associates on plans to honour his memory.