PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday led the torrents of tributes for the late media mogul Chief Raymond Dokpesi.

Dokpesi, founder of Nigeria’s first private radio, Ray Power FM (1994) and African Independent Television (AIT) 1996 died yesterday. He was 71.

The passing of the Agenebode, Edo State-born businessman, politician and socialite was announced in statement by his son, Raymond Dokpesi (Jnr).

The family statement reads: “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of High Chief Raymond Aleogho Anthony Dokpesi (Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno Kingdom), who passed away on May 29th, 2023.

“High Chief Dokpesi was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

“High Chief Dokpesi was also a respected and accomplished businessman, a pioneer in the media industry, and a philanthropist who dedicated his life to the service of his country and his community.

“His legacy will live on through the impact he made on the lives of many.

“The Dokpesi family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. We ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of our patriarch. We also ask for privacy during this time as we grieve together as a family.

“The family will release further details on the funeral arrangements in due course.”

President Tinubu expressed sadness over the death of the high chief in an Abuja hospital.

In a statement issued by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz of the media office, the President described the death of the media mogul as a huge loss to the Nigerian media industry and the country.

The statement reads: “The death of High Chief Raymond Aleogho 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.

“I express my sincere condolences to the management and staff of DAAR Communications and the family of the late media entrepreneur for this monumental loss.”

Senate President Ahmad Lawan also expressed his grief, describing Dokpesi’s demise as a great loss to the polity and media industry in the light of his immense contributions to politics and the evolution of private media in Nigeria and Africa.

Read Also: 15 things to know about late Dokpesi

Lawan noted it is to the late Dokpesi’s credit that he established the first private television network in Nigeria, Africa’s first private satellite television and first privately owned radio station in Nigeria.

He said: “I commiserate with the immediate family of Dr Raymond Dokpesi, staff of AIT/Ray power FM radio and the media industry at large on this great loss.

“They should all be consoled that Dr. Dokpesi made his mark in business, politics and the media industry and lived a fulfilled life.”

House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila said he received the news of the death with shock, adding that Dokpesi had left a vacuum in the media industry as the pioneer of private radio station in the country.

He recalled how the late chief combined his media entrepreneurship with politics, which he said provided his Agenebode kinsmen the opportunity to appreciate leadership in the country.

Gbajabiamila sent his heartfelt condolences to the family, people and government of Edo State, especially the people of Weppa-Wanno Kingdom, where the late Dopkesi held the traditional title of Ezomo.

While praying for the repose of the soul of the late media mogul, Gbajabiamila prayed to God to give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed shock at the news, said he had lost a friend and brother.

He said: “From God we came, and to Him, we return. I am in prayers and will continue in prayers.

“My everlasting and deepest condolences to the Raymond Dokpesi family. May God forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest. Ezemo, not on a date like this should you leave us.”

In a statement by his Atiku, in a statement by his media aide, Paul Ibe, the former vice president noted that the late Dokpesi was a trailblazer who reshaped the Nigerian business landscape in every sphere of endeavour.

He said: “Ezemo, as we fondly called him, was an enigmatic business personality, a newsmaker in life and, sadly, even in death.”

The former Vice President recalled that Dokpesi entered the corporate landscape at a relatively young age, proving the merit of his creativity with distinction.

Atiku said he enjoyed a close relationship with the late Dokpesi, adding: “Ezemo was my friend, brother, counsellor, and associate, all rolled into one. He was honest, detribalised, loyal, and supremely hard working. Once committed to a cause, he would see it to a conclusion.”

The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Prof Abubakar O. Sulaiman has described Dokpesi’s death as a great loss to the nation.

Prof. Sulaiman made the remarks in a condolence message issued on the passage of the elder statesman.

Sulaimon said: “He was a prominent figure in the media industry, and his contributions have left a lasting impact. My heartfelt condolences to the Dokpesi family and the entire staff of AIT and Raypower FM.

“His departure is a significant loss for the entire media landscape. He was a pioneer and a visionary who consistently pushed the boundaries of journalism and entertainment.

“His unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation has undoubtedly shaped the media industry as we know it today.”

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives say it was shocked and grief-stricken by the news.

The caucus, in a statement signed by Minority Leader Ndudi Elunelu, said the death of the media pioneer, nationalist, statesman and patriarch of the Dokpesi family was a great loss to the nation.

It described the deceased as a highly resourceful, respected, and accomplished entrepreneur, a “very brilliant, humble and insightful touch bearer as well as a remarkable philanthropist, who remained steadfast towards the unity, stability and development of the nation.”