The Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, mourned the death of the founder of AIT and Raypower, High Chief (Dr.) Raymond Dokpesi, describing it as a rude shock.

The party in a statement by the publicity secretary, Hakeem Amode, condoled with members of the PDP both in Edo State and throughout Nigeria.

“We were amazed by the news of the death of the successful businessman and a strong member of our party, who died on Monday. His son, Raymond Dokpesi (Jnr), had said that the media mogul and politician passed on this morning in Abuja after a brief illness.

“We however, wish to express our condolences to his family members, including his wives, children and relatives. We also wish to The death of Dr. Dokpesi has definitely created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill, but we are consoled by the fact that he left a good legacy as a committed member of the party.

“Our prayer is that God will give both his family members and members of the PDP the fortitude to bear this great loss. The death of Dr. Dokpesi at this time, when our nation is passing through its worst moment, is regrettable, and he will surely be missed by all of us.

“We are now left with the memories of Dr. Dokpesi, whose contributions to the development of our party are immeasurable. Those of us in the Lagos State chapter of the PDP will particularly miss him and we pray that God will grant him eternal rest.”

Recall that High Chief Dokpesi pioneered private broadcasting in Nigeria and was until his demise a chieftain of the PDP. Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has mourned the passing of Dokpesi, describing him as the “pioneer of private broadcast media in Nigeria.”

In a statement, the governor said Dopkesi was an illustrious son of Edo, who recorded indelible achievements that marked him out as one of Nigeria’s most impactful media executives.

According to him, “the Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno, Chief 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. He was a pacesetter and brave in his quest to build Africa’s most enterprising, private broadcasting brand.”

The governor said Dokpesi established the Africa Independent Television (AIT), which recorded many firsts in the broadcasting business, becoming Nigeria’s first satellite television, adding “he expanded the enterprise to North America and Europe, promoting Nigeria’s outstanding entrepreneurial flair.”

Also, a former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has described the death of Dokpesi as a big loss. Oyinlola in a statement yesterday said Dokpesi’s death had robbed him of a brother and a friend of almost 40 years.

He stated that Dokpesi was a dogged fighter in politics, an astute businessman and media owner. Oyinlola prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.