Dear Dotun,
Our paths crossed as Mass Communication students at the then Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta—now Moshood Abiola University of Technology—in the late 80s to early 90s. Since then, you have, over the decades, become a safe place for me.
As I type these words, tears are flowing because I simply cannot imagine having to write lines based on your death. You were a deeply compassionate person—meticulous, organized, and always looking out for those around you.
Dotun was always ready and willing to help. You lived and breathed journalism. I cannot count the number of times you pulled us in to intervene in matters concerning fellow journalists. Just a few days ago, you were at Area G to resolve one of such cases.
You were profound, thoroughly professional, full of wit, and yet quietly kept to yourself. I called you “Baba Jeje,” and your favorite words to me were always, “You are a good man.”
Years back, when I was in the custody of the DSS under the instructions of the Ogun State Government, you, Wale Adedayo, Seun Oloketuyi, Sir Richard Akinola, and several other good people took the matter up, which ultimately led to my walk to freedom. You personally ensured my return to Lagos in good spirits, and I will remain forever grateful to you.
We share a long list of memories: your days at The Punch, Compass Newspapers, and the birth of your most beloved platform, The Eagle Online. I have been a guest on your YouTube channel several times because you believed I had valuable perspectives to share. Our sessions were always remarkable, filled with soul and intelligent exchange.
No matter what I ventured into, Dotun, you always came to patronize me. Although you were not a night owl like me, I know how much you strained yourself—along with your lovely and ever-jovial wife—to hang out with me until late on my birthdays and at my events. How else can I describe you other than as a friend who was true at all times?
Your passing is a great loss to journalism, a profound personal loss to me and my family, to the association you nurtured, and to everyone blessed to cross paths with you. With a heavy heart, I return your favorite words to you today: “You are a good man.”
Our last conversation was about Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo), little knowing that death was already waiting just around the corner. At 56, it feels to me as though we have spent a lifetime together. Painful as your exit is, I am consoled that you lived a purposeful life and touched everyone around you.You are a perfect example of a core family oriented person, a good husband and father all rolled into a man.
Farewell, Dotun. I pray that God will stand by your wife and lovely daughters.
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