President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and prominent Nigerian editors and journalists have expressed shock and sadness over the sudden death of veteran journalist and editor, Dotun Oladipo.
Oladipo, a respected member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, whose sudden death was announced on Tuesday, August 25, was remembered by colleagues as a consummate journalist, perfect gentleman, mentor, friend and strong advocate of digital journalism.
Among those who paid tribute to the deceased were Mr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Mr Olumide Iyanda, Mr Gbemiga Ogunleye, Mr Ambrose Okoh of Channels Television, Mr Martins Oloja of The Guardian and Mr Tunde Rahman.
Uwugiaren described Oladipo’s death as deeply painful, saying the deceased remained committed to journalism until the very end.
“So sad! Words fail me. A brother and a friend, Dotun was a perfect gentleman and a reporter to the core. He worked as a journalist to the very end,” Uwugiaren said.
He prayed for the repose of Oladipo’s soul and asked God to comfort his wife, Taiwo, their children and the entire family.
Iyanda described the late journalist as a good man and a quintessential journalist who understood the potential of digital journalism ahead of many of his contemporaries.
“This is really incredible about Dotun! This is where God alone is sovereign, and unquestionable! Always a delight to meet him. He never greeted without bending to add ‘egbon’. He was a good man, a quintessential journalist who saw ahead of most of us, the power of digital journalism,” Iyanda said.
Oladipo’s sudden death also left Ogunleye struggling to come to terms with the reality of his passing.
“Can someone explain this shocking news to me? Honestly, it feels like the ground shifted under me. Dotun is so young, full of life and plans, just gone like that?” Ogunleye said.
He described Oladipo as a “very gentle guy” and extended his condolences to the family and members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
Okoh, who recalled seeing Oladipo only days before his death, described the development as tragic.
According to him, the two met last Thursday at the public presentation of The Vanguard Chronology: 40 Years of Nigeria’s Leading Tabloid at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“I was the book reviewer. While I was leaving, he accosted me at the car park and asked me to send him a copy of my review. I am glad I did,” Okoh recalled.
He described Oladipo as “ever so respectful and very committed to journalism,” adding: “We have lost a valiant soldier of our profession.”
Oloja, in his tribute, described Oladipo as “a man with pronounced humility,” recalling that he spoke with the late journalist on Monday about preparations for the forthcoming All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu.
“I spoke with Dotun on Monday about the upcoming All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu. There was nothing in our conversation to suggest that it would be our last. That is what makes his sudden departure even more painful,” Oloja said.
He said Oladipo was not only an exceptional editor but also a man of remarkable character, humility and respect.
“Dotun was not just a professional and exceptional editor; he was a man of remarkable character, humility and respect,” Oloja said.
According to him, Oladipo’s competence, calm disposition and commitment to excellence earned him the respect of colleagues within the journalism profession.
He also described the deceased as a good man whose courtesy, warmth and sincerity endeared him to many.
Oloja said Oladipo’s sudden death was a painful reminder of the fragility of life, urging people to cherish those around them, show kindness and leave behind a legacy of service and good character.
Meanwhile, Rahman described Oladipo as a friend, leader, mentor and an exceptional human being, recalling their professional relationship dating back to their days at PUNCH in 2001.
“My journey from the moment we met at PUNCH in 2001 till date is incomplete without him,” Rahman said.
He recalled that Oladipo encouraged him to join QED.ng in 2004 at a time when he was uncertain about making the move.
“The man practically bribed me to go live with qed.ng in 2004 when I wasn’t sure I was ready,” he said.
Rahman said Oladipo remained a constant presence in his professional journey and described his death as a devastating loss to his family and the Nigerian media ecosystem.
He recalled speaking with Oladipo on the morning before his death, saying the late journalist had been at the gym with his wife.
“How does someone you spoke to yesterday morning suddenly become someone you are mourning today?” Rahman asked.
He said he later visited Oladipo’s home, where the atmosphere was “unbearably sad”, adding that no words could make the reality of his death easier to accept.
“Dotun meant different things to different people, but I know what he meant to me and what his presence has meant to my journey,” Rahman said.
“He cared a lot and carried a lot. Sometimes too much.”
The editors and journalists prayed for God’s comfort for Oladipo’s wife, Taiwo, his children, relatives, friends and colleagues, while urging members of the journalism community to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.
They described his death as an irreparable loss to Nigerian journalism and celebrated his contributions to the profession, particularly his commitment to journalism, editorial excellence, humility and the growth of digital media.
They prayed that his gentle soul would rest in perfect peace.