GOCOP mourns former president, Dotun Oladipo - ITREALMS

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has expressed profound sadness over the sudden death of its former President and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, reports ITREALMS.

Oladipo passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the age of 56. He served as GOCOP President from 2017 to 2021, after serving as pioneer Secretary General and emerged as a foundational pillar who helped shape the Guild and anchor its early institutional growth.

Reflecting on the devastating loss in a press statement available to
ITREALMS, GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Kemi Yesufu, paid glowing tribute to the late media entrepreneur, describing his passing as a heavy blow to the digital journalism community.

“The death of our former President, Dotun Oladipo, is a monumental loss not just to GOCOP, but to the entire Nigerian media landscape,” Yesufu stated. “Dotun was a quintessential professional, a pioneer of digital publishing resilience, and a steadfast leader who dedicated his time, vision, and energy to building GOCOP into a formidable institution during its formative and critical years. His indelible footprints on online journalism in Nigeria will remain with us forever.”

Oladipo transitioned into digital publishing with a rich, accomplished background in mainstream traditional media, having worked extensively as a journalist and editor before founding The Eagle Online. During a period when online news publishing was still navigating its foundational phase in Nigeria, he was among the visionary pioneers who recognized the vital necessity for digital publishers to unite, share insights, and build a cohesive professional community.

As President between 2017 and 2021, Oladipo devoted considerable leadership to steering the Guild through the immense opportunities and challenges accompanying the rapid evolution of online media in Nigeria.

Current GOCOP President, Danlami Nmodu, also lamented the painful exit of his predecessor.

“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. “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.”

GOCOP noted that Oladipo remained deeply engaged with the affairs of the organization and maintained strong fraternal relationships with publishers nationwide even after stepping down from active leadership.

The Guild extended its deepest condolences to Oladipo’s grieving family, the management and staff of The Eagle Online, and his numerous friends and colleagues across the media industry, assuring that it will collaborate closely with his family and associates on plans to honor his cherished memory.