How Dokpesi’s Courage Halted Obasanjo’s Third-Term Ambition — Momoh, Oshiomhole Reveal

Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, and former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, have lauded the late media mogul, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, for his crucial role in thwarting the alleged third-term bid of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

According to Ireporter Online, the commendations were made on Saturday in Abuja during the second edition of the Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Diamond Lecture, jointly organised by DAAR Communications and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), with the theme “Communication and Development.”

Speaking at the event, Momoh said Dokpesi, founder of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM, used his foresight, media reach, and political influence to defend Nigeria’s democracy during the controversial third-term debate. He explained that the move to amend the constitution for Obasanjo to seek a third term posed a serious threat to the nation’s democratic structure, but Dokpesi courageously stood against it.

Momoh recounted, “During the fifth assembly, when the third-term issue arose, many took credit for its failure, but Dokpesi was one of the key figures who ensured it did not succeed. As a member of the National Assembly then, he personally called me and urged me to work with my colleagues to resist the attempt. He was not only vocal through his media platforms but also personally reached out to lawmakers, advising them to reject the extension.”

In his remarks, Senator Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North in the National Assembly, described Dokpesi as a patriot who used his media empire to foster dialogue and accountability. He noted that AIT provided free airtime for legislators and non-state actors to express their opinions, debate national issues, and engage directly with citizens.

“In Dokpesi, I saw a man who used his media to promote national conversation and unity, not to ridicule his country,” Oshiomhole stated. “At a time when many media outlets now thrive on negativity, Dokpesi stood out as one who prioritized national interest. AIT’s live broadcast of National Assembly proceedings during the third-term debate helped strengthen public accountability and democratic participation.”

He added that Nigeria’s success in halting an attempt to alter the constitution for personal ambition was a remarkable democratic achievement — one in which Dokpesi and his platforms played a pivotal role.

Oshiomhole, however, remarked that his only regret was that the political party Dokpesi supported during his lifetime did not reciprocate his loyalty and sacrifices in equal measure.