MANAGEMENT DISPUTE: DOKPESI JR, AKIOTU CLASH AT DAAR COMMUNICATIONS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Tensions have risen at DAAR Communications Plc following a public clash between Chairman Raymond Dokpesi Jr and former Group Managing Director High Chief Tony Akiotu over the company’s recent management overhaul.
Dokpesi Jr defended the restructuring, insisting he has “no regrets” about the decisions taken after the sudden passing of the company’s founder, Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Sr.
Speaking in Abuja, the chairman said the departure of long-serving executives, though difficult, was necessary to ensure continuity and growth. “The transition was carefully managed to avoid tensions and maintain investor and stakeholder confidence,” he explained, adding that the company faced major challenges after his father’s death, including declining investor confidence and falling share prices.
Dokpesi Jr revealed that he became heavily involved in both family and company matters, only to learn that the company secretary had convened an emergency board meeting without his knowledge — prompting considerations of formal petitions to protect corporate governance.
He said: “While leaving, the executives had salary arrears and other obligations, which the organisation had to settle. They had led management for 15 years, accruing billions in arrears. I will always apologise to Mr. Tony Akiotu and the former management staff for any hurt caused, but without regrets, I believe it was the right decision. And the results are evident, which we are already enjoying.”
The chairman added that the leadership changes allowed the company to prioritise salary obligations and strengthen operational independence, noting that most business units are now self-sufficient, with others expected to achieve full autonomy by year-end.
However, Akiotu criticised Dokpesi Jr’s “no regrets” remark, calling it unfair to the former executive team and misleading to the public.
“It was embarrassing and almost ridiculous for the chairman to suggest that management tried to run the company aground, when all our key decisions were approved by the board,” Akiotu said.
He defended the contributions of the former management, highlighting the company’s growth under their tenure into a national and international media brand with radio and television operations across Nigeria, the UK, and the US.
“And today, if Raymond Dokpesi Jr believes we are not part of the company’s legacy, or deserve no recognition, we leave that judgment to posterity and Nigerians,” he added.
While acknowledging that executive retirements may have been justified under company rules, Akiotu criticised the public portrayal of their tenure, emphasising the sacrifices made to establish DAAR Communications as a pioneering media institution in Nigeria.
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