The late Chief Raymond Dokpesi, a renowned media mogul and politician, was laid to rest yesterday in his hometown of Agenebode, Estako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
News About Nigeria reports that the burial ceremony was attended by a host of prominent politicians, including Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu.
The ceremony also saw the presence of notable figures such as the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, former governor of Delta State, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa, Senator Adams Oshiomhole representing Edo North, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndidi Elumelu, Sen Francis Alimikhena, former Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mike Ogiadomhe, Sen Ben Oni, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Vice Chairman South South of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, as well as representatives from the traditional institution and religious leaders.
The funeral mass took place at the open field of St Peters Secondary School in Agenebode, where family, friends, and well-wishers gathered to pay their final respects to Chief Raymond Dokpesi.
During the ceremony, the Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev Gabriel Dunia, delivered a heartfelt homily, describing Dokpesi as a humble person who displayed traits of humility similar to the thief crucified alongside Jesus Christ.
He highlighted Dokpesi’s charitable endeavors throughout his lifetime.
Following the funeral mass, the interment ceremony was held at Chief Raymond Dokpesi’s residence, where his mortal remains were laid to rest.
“As the saying goes, charity covers a multitude of sin. He represented charity, he repented and came back to reconcile with his creator. We must return to God, we must use this occasion whoever we are to return to God.
“We must continue his charity work as the dead can no longer do charity because he said that even in his death, he will continue to do charity through his media.”
In his remarks, Shaibu said the late Dokpesi was a fearless politician, who was not afraid to “speak truth to power.
“Today in Nigeria and the African continent, you cannot talk of the media without mentioning Dokpesi.
“In the political space, he was a very bold, fearless and courageous person.”
