The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed condolences to the family of Dotun Oladipo, publisher of The Eagle Online, and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) over the sudden death of the veteran journalist.
MURIC, in a condolence message signed by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described Oladipo as a liberal, tolerant and quintessential media practitioner whose death had created a significant vacuum in Nigerian journalism.
According to the organisation, Oladipo reportedly died suddenly within his office premises, describing the development as devastating to colleagues, friends and the wider journalism community.
MURIC said the late publisher was a prolific writer and meticulous analyst who provided a level playing field for diverse voices and consistently gave expression to the concerns of the voiceless.
“Dotun Oladipo’s sudden death is a great loss. He has left a yawning vacuum in the practice of journalism in Nigeria,” the organisation said.
The group said Oladipo would be remembered for his warmth, simplicity, objectivity and commitment to journalism, adding that his contribution to the profession would not be forgotten.
MURIC also urged the deceased’s family to take solace in his life of service to humanity, noting that the value of a person’s life should not be measured solely by its length but by the impact made while alive.
“We commiserate with his family. They should take heart. We urge them to find relief in Dotun’s good life. It is not how long you live but how well. Dotun lived a fulfilled life. He served humanity,” MURIC said.
The organisation also extended its condolences to the NUJ, describing the death as one of the painful hazards associated with the journalism profession.
MURIC noted that despite the pressures associated with journalism, committed practitioners such as Oladipo continued to make lasting contributions to society.
“We salute him and his living colleagues,” the organisation added.
Oladipo’s death has continued to generate reactions within Nigeria’s media community, with colleagues and stakeholders mourning a journalist who made his mark through his writing, publishing and commitment to professional journalism.
