The National Executive Council of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Alumni Association (MAPALUM) has expressed profound grief over the sudden passage of veteran journalist, publisher and founder of The Eagle Online, Mr Dotun Oladipo, describing his death as a monumental loss to the Association, his alma mater and the Nigerian media industry.

In a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the Association, Mr Ganiyu Olowu, the National President, Alhaji Ayinde Soaga, said Oladipo’s death was particularly painful considering his age, continuing 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. His professional journey, he said, was remarkable not merely for the positions he occupied, but for the credibility, influence and enduring professional relationships he built along the way.

The National President said 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.”

On behalf of the entire MAPOLY alumni community, the National Executive Council 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.