Tribute: High Chief Raymond Dokpesi; Simply The Best, By Amb Nkoyo Toyo

How do we say farewell to High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, who owned an unusual place in the hearts of so many and stood unusually tall as a fighter for the reign of democratic tenets in Nigeria?

A man who demonstrated unadultrated courage, patriotism and commitment to stay the course as a democrat throughout his life no matter the sacrifice. He had the determination that carved a well defined space in several other sectors of our national affairs. An undisputed, forerunning media personality, he lived his purposes and executed them with passion-filled generousity, love and compassion. High Chief was a free soul.

Before being caught in the glare of the national spotlight, he was the only son in a mother with many dotting sisters who shared his early life with other siblings and relatives in Agenegbode, a calm scenic community in Edo North. His parents were regular humble Nigerians, but through dints of hard work, he rose to transform the fortunes of his family, community and nation. A practicing Catholic, he developed a strong devotion for humanitarian service which was further imbued by his real life experience under socialist Poland. These human qualities propelled him through later life as a capitalist, to become one of the most successful media entrepreneurs of his time.

His venture into the Ray Power FM Radio and AIT singled him out as a once-in-a-generation talent that contributed to change the face of the sector across Nigeria.

Ezomo was unstoppable and unapologetically Daar, speaking and reasoning his own truths through disappointments, successes, as well as triumphs and even through the tragedy that eventually took his life, on a date which showed forth his commitment to the causes that he believes in.

A spectacularly bright light whose life was a testament to all those who believe in what can be, unburdened by what has been, and embroiled in true stewardship to God given talents, style, energy and authenticity. He is unforgettable.

One is left with a feel of his genuineness as I reflect on the many women who worked closely with him, felt and viewed his devotion to their rights to be women, productive and respected. For Ezomo, it is right for a woman to strive for success on her own terms. He was a true believer in a balanced and equitable public life engagement for all species of human expression.

Privileged to share in his thoughts many times, I recall with deep reverence, his answer to my question about what his greatest fears were after a brief ailment earlier this year. He answered quite longingly that he was not afraid to leave this earth, but wanted to see, even if as a last redemptive reward for the good, hard working and trusting people, a Nigeria that allowed citizens to be hopeful, excited and curious about themselves again. To see the force and passion that brought him back from Poland many decades ago restored.

I learnt a lot from this HERO as his life illuminated paths for others. In telling my story and my commitment to stay the course of life’s calling, Ezomo taught me that no matter the sacrifice, one needs to hold unto the determination to carve out a space for oneself and for others. This vision, he believed, is how we can reorder a better future filled with love, compassion, and freedoms for citizens. I shall hold these thoughts close to my heart for the rest of my days.

In an era filled with cynicism about national unity and public service, Ezomo’s life shone as a bright example of a believer — never afraid to speak truth to power as his kind became all too rare within our society and among his generation and associates.

For his gift of values to his associates and the courage to persevere in the path of productive national elevation, he will always remain among the very best that his generation has offered to a country that sadly ignores her talents; indeed, he was simply the best of his times.

May eager angels lead him to a blissfull rest…Amen.

Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo

6th June, 2023