Raymond Dokpesi, owner of AIT and Raypower, is dead

Raymond Dokpesi, who founded the broadcast stations AIT and Raypower, and was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, is dead. He was 71.

Mr Dokpesi’s son, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr., confirmed his father’s passing in a statement.

“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,” the statement said.

Mr Dokpesi died Monday morning after falling off a treadmill, Premium Times reported, quoting a family source.

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Mr Dokpesi was an ally of former PDP national chairman who is said to have sponsored his education. He worked a personal assistant to Mr Tukur, when Mr Tukur served as a general manager at the Nigerian Ports Authority.

In launched Ray Power, reputed as first Nigerian private FM radio station, in 1994.

He was the organising committee chairman of the PDP national conference in 2015, and faced trial on corruption charges. Mr Dokpesi was COVID-19 survivor.

He suffered a stroke shortly in February.

President Bola Tinubu said Mr Dokpesi’s death was a blow to the nation’s media industry, a spokesperson said Monday.