A Constitutional Lawyer, Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and the former editor of the Vanguard Newspaper, Richard Akinnola, have described the death of the founder of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, as a great loss to the world.
In a statement titled :MY ELEGY ON THE SAD PASSAGE OF HIGH CHIEF RAYMOND ALEOGHO AYAOGHENA DOKPESI, Ph.D, OFR”, Ozekhome noted that indeed the whole world, has lost an unforgettable and uncommon shining star and gem.
The statement reads: “I am a very sad man as I write this. I am completely devastated by the ugly news of the rather sudden death of my elder brother, friend, kinsman, soul mate and confidant, HIGH CHIEF RAYMOND ALEOGHO AYAOGHENA DOKPESI. Dokpesi had called me on WHATSAPP at about 1.30am THIS MORNING [ 9th May, 2023 ).
“He called me to discuss friendship, brotherhood and take advice on sundry legal matters. He exuded his usual happiness, vibrancy, and gusto, notwithstanding that he has had some health challenges for some time. His voice was quite rich, steady and filled with laughter, as we taunted and bantered with each other, as we were want to do whenever we encountered each other.
“We exchanged chats and spoke up to about 1.50am this morning. So when Chief Tony Akiotu ( GMD, DAAR Communication) and Senator Francis Alimhikhena called me to break the sad news of his death from the very hospital where he was said to have been rushed to, I could not believe my ears.
“It took another communication from his first son, Raymond Dokpesi,Jnr to melt my lethargic world of disbelief. Was the Ezomo of Weppa Wanno Kingdom’s call to me a FAREWELL from him? Did he have the premonition of his imminent death? I do not know.
“Gosh!!! One thing is clear to me as I grieve: Weppa- Wanno, Etsako, Afenmailand, Edo State, Nigeria, Africa, the black race, and indeed the whole world, has lost an unforgettable and uncommon shining star and gem. At a mere 71, Dokpesi lived a life of nobility; a life wholly dedicated to the service of God and humanity. He impacted the most vulnerable through his many philanthropic works.
“In the maritime world, he stood tall and resplendent, earning a Ph.D in Maritime Engineering. He was to become the nullus secondus of the media world where he became a Czar, the Ted Turner of African broadcasting. Dokpesi indeed pioneered and blazed private independent broadcasting of television and radio in Nigeria and Africa, establishing Raypower and the African Independent Television ( AIT ).
“It was unheard of that a single individual could challenge and break decades of government’s dominance and monopoly of information through radio and television. But,the Araba of Oshoroland and Oghierumhoa of Weppa Wanno Kingdom did just that. In politics, Dokpesi was a master strategist and iconic tactician. His name vibrated and revibrated across Nigeria for decades in Nigeria’s political firmament.
“He epitomized the soul and spirit of DAAR.Not many Nigerians know that DAAR is actually a reversed acronym of his name- RAYMOND ALEOGHO AYAOGHENA DOKPESI ( RAAD ).The Ezomo came. He saw. He conquered.He ran a good race. He finished well.May God grant this legend and collosus eternal repose of his great soul until we meet to part no more.tseee, Itseee lagi Itseee”.
According to Akinnola, who is also an author, lawyer, and activist, “April 26, 2023. I had just finished my session as a resource person at the training for DAAR staff for the coverage of the various election tribunals. I learnt you were having a meeting at home. I walked down to your house to say hello.
“The meeting just ended and immediately you saw me, in your usual way of greeting me, you shouted:”Ricardo! You no wan old abi as you dey dress like small boy”. We laughed and l gave you a copy of my latest book- THE 12 2/3 CONUNDRUM: THE JUDICIAL DYNAMICS OF POLITICAL ARITHMETIC. Then, you intimated me of DAAR plans to start a new news channel and gave me an assignment to get a news anchor. We departed on that note, not knowing that was our last meeting.
“We had our moments of disagreements but you always respected my strong views. I guess the reason you allowed me, several years ago to broker settlement between you and my late friend, Ladi Lawal, when he resigned in anger as the AGM of Ray Power, then in Lagos. Onime Johnson called me to broker peace since l was close to both of you.
“I held a peace meeting between you and Ladi at your Victoria Island, Lagos house and there and then, Ladi agreed to withdraw his resignation letter and we decided to appoint him as the CEO of DAAR before operations were moved to Abuja.
“I can go on and on. But Ezomo, you no do well o as you just pass on just like that. Onwuka is inconsolable. Farewell sir”.
Apple’s Bite reports that Dr. Raymond Dokpesi started as the personal assistant to Alhaji Bamaga Tukur one of the general managers of the Nigerian Ports Authority. Dokpesi also served as a civil servant in the Federal Ministry of Transport under Alhaji Umaru Dikko and General Garba Wushishi. The association of Raymond Dokpesi with the likes of the Tukurs and the late Abiola resulted in the birth of African Ocean Lines (AOL).
Daar Communications:
However, as High Chief, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi practiced in his field of study; he never forgot his first love, showbiz and entertainment. This can be traced back to his early days in secondary school when he was the pioneer member of Ozolua Playhouse, dance drama group.
He decided to put his dream to reality when he conceived the idea of starting a radio station during the Ibrahim Babaginda regime when the atmosphere was conducive enough due to the deregulation of broadcasting in Nigeria. In 1994 he launched the first Nigerian private FM radio station RayPower.
Two years later, he launched Africa Independent Television. Thus, according to Oyinlola (2005), he became the pacesetter in the world of Nigeria media for the likes of Galaxy TV, Silverbird TV, MBI television, Rhythm FM, and a host of others.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist known for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. With a keen investigative eye and exceptional writing skills, he has established himself as a kamikaze reporter, unafraid to delve into the most challenging and controversial subjects. Nwabuisi's vast experience in journalism has honed his ability to uncover hidden truths and shed light on important issues. His dedication to seeking the truth and presenting it to the public in a compelling and thought-provoking manner has earned him a reputable status in the industry.