The Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee and entire membership of the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) have expressed deep sadness over the death of Mr Dotun Oladipo, an accomplished journalist, publisher, entrepreneur and committed press freedom advocate.
The statement was made available to the Daily Sun on Wednesday and signed by Musikilu Mojeed, President of IPI Nigeria.
Oladipo died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Lagos. His death was confirmed in the early hours of Wednesday, August 26. He was 56.
IPI Nigeria described Oladipo as “a highly dependable, resourceful, professional, amiable and deeply committed member of IPI Nigeria,” whose dedication to journalism and press freedom earned him the respect of colleagues.
The institute said his affable disposition, dedication and “can-do spirit” led to his appointment as Chairman of its Programmes Committee in 2024.
According to the statement, Oladipo embraced the responsibility “with characteristic enthusiasm and diligence”, making significant contributions to the activities and successes of the institute.
Despite the demands of running The Eagle Online, which he founded and published, IPI Nigeria said Oladipo consistently made time to undertake and deliver assignments entrusted to him by the institute.
He played a significant role in the success of the institute’s 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference and was also a major pillar of the 2026 AGM and Conference Planning Committee.
“His contributions to the planning and execution of this year’s conference will be sorely missed,” the institute said.
IPI Nigeria recalled that earlier this month, Oladipo travelled from Lagos to Abeokuta to represent the institute at an important event, despite having another long-scheduled engagement in Lagos on the same day.
“He made the sacrifice without hesitation, once again putting the interests of the Institute and the profession ahead of personal convenience,” the statement said.
At 56, Oladipo left an extensive legacy in Nigeria’s media industry, having contributed to both traditional and digital journalism during a career spanning several decades.
His professional career included stints with Newswatch, The Punch, The Compass, Nigerian Tribune and The Sun, before he founded The Eagle Online about 15 years ago.
IPI Nigeria said his death represented a significant loss to his family, colleagues, the Nigerian media community and the broader struggle for press freedom and professional journalism.
“IPI Nigeria has lost a dependable colleague, a passionate advocate and a trusted friend,” the institute said.
The organisation extended its condolences to Oladipo’s family, colleagues, friends and the entire staff of The Eagle Online, praying that God would grant them the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
IPI Nigeria also prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul, while remembering him as a journalist whose commitment to professional journalism and press freedom remained evident in his work and service to the institute.
(The Sun)