DAAR Communications Chairman Defends Management Overhaul Amid BON Election Contest
Raymond Dokpesi Jr., Chairman of DAAR Communications, has stated he holds no regrets over the management restructuring that resulted in the departure of long-serving Group Managing Director Chief Tony Akiotu in 2024.
The change occurred 14 months after the death of DAAR’s founder, Dokpesi’s father, in 2023. Dokpesi Jr., who is now contesting against Akiotu for the chairmanship of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), acknowledged Akiotu’s contributions but maintained the decision was necessary.
In his account, Dokpesi Jr. said he was shocked to learn of an unsanctioned emergency board meeting convened by the company secretary shortly after his father’s passing. He claimed this meeting, held without his knowledge as chairman, prompted concerns about governance and led to threats of intervention from external stakeholders. To avoid appearing emotionally driven, he delayed any management change for over a year.
Dokpesi Jr. asserted that the previous leadership, which included Akiotu’s 15-year tenure, had allowed significant salary arrears to accumulate and presided over declining revenue and share prices. He stated that implementing corporate governance codes to limit tenure became essential to stabilise the company.
“The context in which some management staff left might have left a sour taste,” Dokpesi Jr. said, adding that he would apologise for any personal offence caused but reiterating that the action was correct. He cited slow but steady progress in stabilising DAAR’s affairs since the changes.
The management overhaul coincides with a high-stakes BON election, where both men are vying for the top position. Dokpesi Jr. expressed a desire to keep the election from escalating tensions, even as their professional divergence becomes a public issue.
The situation underscores ongoing governance transitions at one of Nigeria’s major broadcasting groups and highlights how corporate decisions can intersect with industry leadership contests.
