The National Executive Council of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Alumni Association, MAPALUM, has expressed deep grief over the sudden death of veteran journalist, publisher and founder of The Eagle Online, Mr. Dotun Oladipo.
In a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ganiyu Olowu, the National President, Alhaji Ayinde Soaga, described the passing as a monumental loss to the Association, MAPOLY and the Nigerian media industry.
Oladipo, 56, was a member of the 1992 Mass Communication graduating class of the then Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.
Soaga described him as a distinguished alumnus and ambassador of the institution, and a torchbearer of MAPOLY’s tradition of excellence.
“His death is particularly painful considering his age, continuing relevance to the profession and the enormous value he still had to offer journalism and the country,” Soaga said.
—A Career Built on Credibility—
The National President noted that Oladipo built an impressive career across respected Nigerian media organisations, rising through the ranks as a reporter, editor, media leader and publisher before founding The Eagle Online.
“His professional journey was remarkable not merely for the positions he occupied, but for the credibility, influence and enduring professional relationships he built along the way,” he said.
Soaga added that the breadth of tributes from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NUJ, IPI Nigeria, and GOCOP reflect the stature of a journalist whose professionalism and leadership earned him respect across institutions and generations.
For MAPALUM, the tributes are “a source of pride and an affirmation of Oladipo’s standing as a distinguished alumnus and worthy ambassador of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic whose professional footprints brought honour to his alma mater.”
—“He Bridged the Traditional and Digital Newsroom”—
Soaga said Oladipo represented the quality of professionals MAPOLY has continued to produce.
“Dotun belonged to a generation grounded in the discipline and rigour of the traditional newsroom, yet he had the foresight to embrace the changing media landscape. He carried the enduring values of responsible journalism into the digital space and became one of those who helped strengthen the credibility and professional standing of online publishing in Nigeria.
“We have lost a promising and highly influential alumnus at a time when his experience, network and professional leadership remained immensely valuable. We mourn him deeply, but we are equally proud that the years he was given were marked by meaningful service, professional distinction and impact,” he added.
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—Condolences—
On behalf of the entire MAPOLY alumni community, the NEC extended condolences to Oladipo’s wife, children, family, the 1992 Mass Communication class, staff of The Eagle Online, and the Nigerian media fraternity.
“MAPOLY has lost a worthy ambassador, the media industry has lost an influential professional, and his family has lost a beloved husband, father and relation. Yet, the work he did, the institutions he strengthened, the relationships he built and the professional values he represented constitute an indelible legacy that death cannot erase.
“May Almighty God grant Dotun Oladipo eternal rest and give his family, colleagues, friends, fellow alumni and everyone touched by this painful loss the strength and fortitude to bear his passage.”
