*’Flee, There Is A Court Process On’
By Nosa Akenzua, Benin
The Dokpesi Family, household of multi-millionaire businessman and founder, African Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower, the late High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, has issued a caveat emptor urging potential buyers to be cautious when dealing with properties or assets belonging to their deceased patriarch.
The warning came amid reports of individuals moving to try and sell off prized assets belonging to Dokpesi’s estate, two years after his passing on May 29, 2023.
In a statement, the family disclosed that the entire estate of the late media mogul has been under probate proceedings since his death while all assets are frozen for sale, transfer, pledge, or loan until the lawful completion of the probate process.
In legal terms, an estate under probate means when a court-supervised process is needed to validate a will (if one exists), pay debts and taxes, and distribute a deceased person’s remaining assets to the rightful beneficiaries or heirs.
This is often required or necessary for assets that do not pass automatically to another person, such as property held solely in the deceased’s name or jointly with rights of survivorship. Therefore, it involves a court confirming the validity of the will and appointing an executor to oversee the estate’s administration.
“We have received troubling reports of people pretending to have authority and offering estate assets for sale. We are compelled to announce this publicly to protect unsuspecting buyers and to calm investors and the general public. No such transactions are valid without the authority of the probate court,” the family cautioned.
The statement titled ‘Public Notice / Caveat’, partly reads: “The general public is hereby informed that the Estate of the late High Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi (Ezomo of Weppa Wanno), who passed on 29 May 2023, is undergoing probate proceedings before the competent authorities in Nigeria.
“This estate includes, by extension, his ownership interests and assets in corporate entities such as: DAAR Investment & Holding Company Ltd; DAAR Communications PLC; As well as other public and private corporations, properties, and business interests.”
The family warned: “Any person, institution, or organization that has attempted, or may attempt, to purchase, acquire, transfer, or otherwise deal with any of these assets after 29 May 2023 does so entirely at their own risk and without recourse to the estate or the family.
“This notice serves as a caveat and a warning to protect the legacy of the late founder and to prevent unlawful dealings with his assets until due legal processes are concluded.”
The announcement comes amid governance tensions at DAAR Communications PLC, the parent company of AIT and Raypower, with insiders suggesting the move is intended to safeguard shareholder value and prevent fraudulent attempts to divest the estate of its assets.
The Dokpesi Family urged Nigerians and the international community to know that the legacy of the late High Chief Dokpesi is not up for grabs.
Dokpesi (25 October 1951 – 29 May 2023) was a Nigerian media businessman and politician.
His parents were from Agenebode, Edo State, and he was born into a family that includes six sisters.
He entered the Nigerian mass media industry with a bang, revolutionizing broadcasting with his company, DAAR Communications, with the setting up of the Nigerian TV network, AIT, and its radio arm, Raypower –both of which were well-received in the country.
*PHOTO CAPTION: The late High Chief Dokpesi.
