*Photo: The late Dotun Oladipo*
An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has sent a message of condolence to the family of Dotun Oladipo and the Nigerian Union of Journalists over his sudden death. The group described the late journalist as a liberal, tolerant and quintessential media practitioner.
The press statement was signed by the group’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
“The death has been announced of Dotun Oladipo, publisher of The Eagle Online newspaper. He was alleged to have died suddenly within his office premises.
“Dotun Oladipo’s sudden death is a great loss. He has left a yawning vacuum in the practice of journalism in Nigeria. A prolific writer and microscopic analyst, the late publisher gave a level playing field to all. He gave voice to the voiceless. Dotun will be remembered for his warmth, his simplicity and his objectivity. His death is devastating. MURIC will miss him terribly.
“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.
“We also condole the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). This is one of the hazards of the profession. It is replete with pressure but it makes heroes of committed journalists like Dotun. We salute him and his living colleagues.”