President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu of Lagos State, have expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr Dotun Oladipo, former Political Editor of The Punch newspaper and Publisher of The Eagle Online, describing his death as a painful loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the nation at large.

President Tinubu acknowledged the deceased’s contributions to journalism, particularly his years of dedicated service in political reporting and his commitment to providing Nigerians with credible information through both traditional and digital media platforms.

The President said Oladipo’s professional career reflected the important role journalists play in strengthening democracy by informing citizens, holding public officials accountable and providing platforms for robust public discourse.

He recalled the deceased’s passion for his profession and his contributions to the growth of digital journalism through The Eagle Online, which he founded after his remarkable career at Punch Newspaper.

“Dotun Oladipo’s death at the age of 56 is a painful loss to the Nigerian media community and to our nation. He was a committed journalist who devoted significant years of his life to informing the public and contributing to the development of our democracy.

“His contributions to political journalism and the digital media space will not be forgotten. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues in GOCOP and friends. I pray that Almighty God will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” President Tinubu notes.

On his part, Sanwo-Olu described Oladipo’s death as shocking, painful, and heartbreaking.

The Governor extended his condolences to his immediate and extended families, the management and staff of Premium Eagle Media Limited, publishers of The Eagle Online.

He also sent a message of condolence to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on the loss of Dotun Oladipo, whom he described as a cerebral and prolific writer.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile stated: “The death of one of Nigeria’s prolific journalists, writers and media entrepreneurs, Mr. Dotun Oladipo, is a significant loss to the media industry and Nigeria, as well as his family and friends. He will be sorely missed. He made numerous positive impacts in his lifetime, contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of journalism, especially with his pioneering work in online journalism in Nigeria.

“Dotun’s sudden death is shocking and painful, but we should find solace in the modest achievements of the late Publisher. Death is inevitable, as we all will die. Our purpose in life is not to live forever, but to create something that will outlive us, bearing in mind that it is not the length of life that matters, but the depth of life.

“Dotun Oladipo led an exemplary life. He was a dutiful husband and a good father to his children. Most importantly, he touched countless lives through his profession as a journalist, rising to become Publisher, Managing Editor, and Chief Executive Officer of a media organisation.

“I have met Dotun personally during some of my media interactions with journalists. He was brilliant, calm and always presented his case in a very interesting and professional manner. I remember his presentation of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers’ case about three years ago. You can’t but listen to him.”

“On behalf of my family and the Lagos State Government, I extend my sympathies to the Oladipo family and the media industry over the loss of this veteran and accomplished journalist. I also offer my condolences to his friends, colleagues, and journalists across Nigeria. May God grant them the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.”

In his condolence message, Akpabio described Oladipo’s passing as a painful loss to the Nigerian media industry and the nation, noting his significant contributions to journalism, public discourse and the growth of online media in Nigeria.

The President of the Senate commiserated with the family, friends, colleagues and professional associates of the deceased, particularly members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), where Oladipo served as President.

“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.

“His sudden passing is a profound loss to his family, the journalism profession and Nigeria as a whole. His immense contributions to the development of online journalism, as well as his commitment to professional excellence, integrity and public interest, will remain indelible.

“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. His life demonstrated that journalism, when guided by courage and conscience, can illuminate society and strengthen democracy.

“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.

Akpabio prayed that God Almighty would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He also urged members of the media to uphold and build upon Oladipo’s legacy of professionalism, integrity, courage and unwavering commitment to the public interest.