Immediate past President of the Association of Corporate Communication & Marketing Professionals in Banks, ACAMB, Rasheed Bolarinwa, has mourned the death of veteran journalist, media entrepreneur and President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, Dotun Oladipo, describing him as a trusted ally, confidant and brother.
Bolarinwa, in a tribute titled “The Dotun Oladipo I Knew,” said Oladipo’s death represented a significant loss to Nigeria’s media industry, particularly given his contributions to journalism, media entrepreneurship and the promotion of ethical journalism.
He recalled that his relationship with Oladipo dated back to the late 1990s when both worked as colleagues at The Punch newspapers, describing the deceased as a calm, principled journalist who was deeply committed to responsible journalism and public interest.
According to him, their relationship continued after they pursued different professional paths, with Bolarinwa moving into corporate communications and banking while Oladipo continued his career in journalism and later founded The Eagle Online.
He said their friendship became stronger as both men worked from different sides of the communication industry, with a shared commitment to promoting professionalism and protecting the integrity of the media and corporate institutions.
Bolarinwa said their professional relationship deepened when he served as President of ACAMB while Oladipo led GOCOP, noting that they worked together during difficult periods when misinformation and false reports threatened the reputation of the banking industry.
He described Oladipo as “often the voice of reason,” saying the late journalist understood the power of the media and the responsibility that came with it.
According to Bolarinwa, Oladipo repeatedly helped to resolve tensions during media crises and promoted dialogue between media organisations and corporate institutions.
He also recalled visiting Oladipo at The Eagle Online office in Ogba, Lagos, where the late publisher personally showed him around the premises and introduced him to members of his team.
Bolarinwa said the visit also offered him an opportunity to see another side of Oladipo, describing him as a devoted family man and a warm host.
He noted that Oladipo remained committed to supporting journalists and media organisations, particularly through GOCOP, where he consistently encouraged corporate organisations to maintain relationships with credible media partners.
Bolarinwa said he was privileged to celebrate Oladipo’s 50th birthday with him and his friends six years ago in Lagos, adding that they remained in contact and regularly met at conferences, seminars and industry events.
He said he often sought Oladipo’s advice on media-related matters and that the late journalist was always willing to offer guidance, intervention and support.
Bolarinwa described Oladipo’s death as the loss of not only a former colleague but also a trusted ally, comrade and brother, adding that his departure had created a void that would be difficult to fill.
He expressed condolences to Oladipo’s wife and children, his brother, Tunde, whom he described as his former classmate, journalism colleague and banking associate, as well as the GOCOP family and the wider Nigerian media community.
Bolarinwa said Oladipo lived a life defined by impact, friendship, service and integrity, adding that his contributions to journalism and professional relationships would continue to inspire those who knew him