The Senate President describes the publisher of The Eagle Online as a courageous journalist whose contribution to Nigeria’s digital media will endure
Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio has expressed profound sadness over the death of veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, describing his passing as a painful loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the wider nation.
Akpabio, in a condolence message issued following Oladipo’s death, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, said the late journalist made significant contributions to journalism, public discourse and the growth of online publishing in Nigeria.
The Senate President extended his condolences to Oladipo’s family, friends, colleagues and professional associates, particularly members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, where the journalist served as Emeritus President.
Akpabio described Oladipo as a courageous and principled journalist who devoted much of his professional life to truth, responsible journalism and the advancement of society.
“Dotun Oladipo was a courageous, principled and dedicated journalist who devoted a significant part of his life to the pursuit of truth, responsible journalism and the advancement of society,” Akpabio said.
He said Oladipo’s death represented a significant loss not only to his family and colleagues but also to the Nigerian journalism profession, particularly at a time when online media has become an increasingly influential part of public discourse.
“His sudden passing is a profound loss to his family, the journalism profession and Nigeria as a whole,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President praised Oladipo’s commitment to professional excellence, integrity and public interest, saying his contribution to the development of online journalism would remain part of his enduring legacy.
Akpabio also reflected on the role of journalism in a democratic society, drawing on the words of British philosopher John Stuart Mill to underline the importance of listening, questioning and engaging with differing perspectives.
“As the philosopher John Stuart Mill reminded us, ‘He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that.’ Dotun understood that a free and responsible press must listen, question and speak truth to power,” he said.
He added that Oladipo’s career demonstrated how journalism guided by courage and conscience could help illuminate society and strengthen democratic institutions.
“His legacy will continue to inspire journalists and media professionals who believe in the power of responsible journalism to strengthen democracy and contribute to national development,” Akpabio said.
Oladipo was a prominent figure in Nigeria’s online publishing community and played a significant role in the emergence of organised digital journalism in the country.
His leadership within GOCOP also placed him among voices advocating professional standards and credibility in the rapidly expanding online media sector.
His death has consequently prompted a wave of tributes from colleagues and members of the journalism community, who have remembered his contributions to the profession and his involvement in efforts to promote responsible online publishing.
Akpabio urged media professionals to preserve and build on the values Oladipo represented, particularly professionalism, integrity, courage and an unwavering commitment to the public interest.
The Senate President also prayed for comfort for Oladipo’s family, friends, colleagues and loved ones, asking God to grant the deceased eternal rest.
“May God acquaint his soul with the compass of His course,” Akpabio added.
For Nigeria’s digital media community, Oladipo’s passing marks the loss of a journalist whose career straddled traditional reporting and the rapidly changing world of online publishing.
His professional legacy, Akpabio said, should serve as an enduring reminder of the responsibility that comes with using journalism to inform the public and hold power to account.
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