Media tycoon and founding Chairman, Daar Communications Limited, Raymond Dokpesi, is dead.
His death was confirmed in a statement on Monday by his son and Chairman of Daar Communications, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr.
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno Kingdom, who passed away on May 29, 2023.
“Dokpesi was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” the statement said.
According to Wikipedia, Dokpesi was born on October 25,1951 in Ibadan.
A family member, who does not want his name in print because he was not authorised to speak with the press, told one of our correspondents that, “Chief was not ill. As a matter of fact, he was doing his routine exercise using the treadmill in his residence when he fell. Because he was alone, the treadmill which was still running dragged him, causing facial and other body injuries.
“He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.”
Meanwhile, some eminent Nigerians on getting the sad news rushed to the residence of the Dokpesis to commiserate with the family over their loss.
Some of the early callers were former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom Ikimi, PDP Kogi State governorship candidate in the November 11 election, Dino Melaye, and immediate past lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District, Francis Alimhikhena.
Others included Senator Ben Obi, National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Shehu Gabam, among others.
Also, the President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, mourned Dokpesi’s death, saying he would be sorely missed.
In a statement by his media officer, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, the President said, “The death of Raymond Dokpesi is a blow to the media industry where he has played pioneering roles in private broadcasting. His pacesetting investment in the industry is an inspiration to many who come after him.
“The history of the evolution of the Nigerian media industry will be incomplete without prominent mention of Dokpesi and his giant footprints on the media landscape.”
Similarly, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, mourned Dokpesi’s death, describing him as “an illustrious son of Edo State, who recorded indelible achievements that marked him out as one of Nigeria’s most impactful media executives.”
“The Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno, Dokpesi, was an outstanding businessman and indeed, a media mogul, who took the bold step to venture into private broadcasting and broke the ground for many who came after him,” Obaseki noted.
