MAPOLY Alumni group mourns, describes Dotun Oladipo’s death, as  loss to Journalism 

Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Alumni Association has expressed grief over the passing of veteran journalist, publisher and founder of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, describing his death as a monumental loss to the Association, his alma mater and the Nigerian media industry.

This is contained in a press statement jointly signed by the MAPALUM National President, Alhaji Ayinde Soaga and Public Relations Officer, Ganiyu Olowu, on Thursday.

The Association lamented that Oladipo’s death was particularly painful, considering his age,  relevance to the profession and the enormous value he still had to offer journalism and the country.

Oladipo, 56, belonged to the 1992 Mass Communication graduating class of the then Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY). 

He was a distinguished alumnus and Ambassador of the institution, a torchbearer of MAPOLY’s tradition of excellence and a compelling example of the quality of professionals nurtured within the MAPOLY system.

Soaga noted that Oladipo built an impressive career across some of Nigeria’s respected media organisations, rising through the demanding ranks of journalism and establishing himself as a reporter, editor, media leader and publisher before founding The Eagle Online. 

He added that 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.

MAPALUM President disclosed that the breadth of tributes following Oladipo’s passage speaks eloquently to the depth of his impact on journalism and the Nigerian nation. 

From President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigeria Union of Journalists, International Press Institute Nigeria, Guild of Corporate Online Publishers and the wider media community, the outpouring of grief and commendation reflects the stature of a journalist whose professionalism, leadership and contribution to the growth of the industry earned him respect across institutions and generations.

For MAPALUM, Soaga said, the tributes are equally 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.

“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,” Soaga said.

He added that Oladipo represented the quality of professionals MAPOLY has continued to produce over the decades, combining sound professional training with discipline, courage, intellectual depth and an uncommon capacity to build relationships and institutions.

“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” said the statement.

MAPALUM extended heartfelt condolences to Oladipo’s wife, children and family, members of the 1992 Mass Communication graduating class, the management and staff of The Eagle Online, his professional associates 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”, MAPALUM prayed.

Oladipo died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.