‘His friendship was genuine’ – SK Usman mourns Dotun Oladipo
Brigadier General S.K. Usman (rtd) has expressed profound sadness over the death of Dotun Oladipo, former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and Publisher of The Eagle Online.
Mr Oladipo died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the age of 56.
In a condolence message, Usman described the late journalist and publisher as “a great friend, dependable professional and a man of considerable wisdom, warmth and integrity.”
“I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of my friend, Mr Dotun Oladipo, former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and Publisher of The Eagle Online, who passed away yesterday, Tuesday, 25 August 2026, at the age of 56,” he said.
Usman extended his condolences to Oladipo’s immediate family, GOCOP, The Eagle Online, journalism professionals and the wider Nigerian media community.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the President and entire members of GOCOP, the management and staff of The Eagle Online, journalism professionals, the wider Nigerian media community and all Nigerians on this painful and deeply saddening loss,” he said.
He described Oladipo as an accomplished journalist and publisher who had a strong understanding of the media industry, particularly the rapidly evolving digital publishing space.
“Dotun was not only an accomplished journalist and publisher, but also a great friend, dependable professional and a man of considerable wisdom, warmth and integrity,” Usman said.
“He had a profound understanding of journalism, publishing and the evolving digital media environment. He was among those who recognised the growing importance of online media in Nigeria and contributed immensely to its professional development.”
Oladipo served as GOCOP president from 2017 to 2021, a period Usman described as formative in the development of online publishing in Nigeria.
“His leadership of GOCOP from 2017 to 2021 came at a formative period in the growth of online publishing in Nigeria,” he said.
“Through his dedication, experience and commitment, he contributed significantly to strengthening the Guild, promoting professionalism and fostering greater cooperation among online publishers.”
Usman added that Oladipo’s contributions would remain part of his enduring legacy.
“His contribution to the development of GOCOP and online journalism will remain an enduring part of his legacy,” he said.
Reflecting on their personal relationship, the retired army officer said Oladipo’s death was particularly painful because of the friendship and professional bond they shared.
“For me personally, the passing of Dotun is particularly painful. He was a great friend and a trusted professional colleague who was always there with wise counsel, support and a reassuring word,” Usman said.
He recalled Oladipo’s support during his tenure as Director Army Public Relations, describing him as accessible and professional.
“During my tenure as Director Army Public Relations, he was consistently supportive, accessible and professional, demonstrating a deep understanding of the responsibilities of public communication and the demands of journalism,” he said.
Usman said their friendship continued even after he retired from the Nigerian Army.
“Even after my retirement from the Nigerian Army, he remained a valued friend and colleague, always willing to engage, share his thoughts and offer constructive advice,” he added.
“His friendship was genuine, and his wisdom, loyalty and professionalism were deeply appreciated.”
According to Usman, Oladipo’s death has created a significant gap across his family, GOCOP and the Nigerian media industry.
“His death has therefore left a profound void in his family, GOCOP, the Nigerian media community and among the many journalists, publishers, public relations practitioners and other professionals whose lives he touched,” he said.
He noted that Oladipo’s passion for journalism and commitment to professional excellence would be greatly missed.
“His experience, passion for journalism, commitment to professional excellence and belief in the importance of a vibrant online media industry will be greatly missed,” Usman said.
Usman also offered prayers for Oladipo’s family and colleagues, asking God to give them the strength to cope with the loss.
“I pray that Almighty God will grant his family and all of us who mourn him the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, and grant the soul of my dear friend, Dotun Oladipo, eternal rest,” he said.
He prayed that Oladipo’s memory and contributions would continue to inspire future generations of media practitioners.
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