Dokpesi Jr, Ex-GMD Akiotu Clash Over DAAR Communications Mgt Restructuring

A public dispute has erupted at DAAR Communications Plc as Chairman Raymond Dokpesi Jr and former Group Managing Director, High Chief Tony Akiotu, publicly clashed over the company’s recent management restructuring, raising questions about corporate governance and the legacy of Nigeria’s pioneering media organisation.

Speaking in Abuja, Dokpesi Jr defended the executive shake-up, stating he has “no regrets” about the decisions made following the sudden death of the company’s founder, Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Sr. He described the departure of long-serving executives as a difficult but necessary step to ensure stability, investor confidence, and future growth. The chairman noted that the company faced challenges after his father’s passing, including declining share value and reduced investor confidence, and emphasised that the transition process was carefully managed to minimise tension.

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Dokpesi Jr acknowledged that the exiting executives were owed salary arrears and other entitlements, which the organisation has been settling, amounting to billions of naira accumulated over their 15-year tenure. He explained that the restructuring allowed the company to prioritise outstanding obligations and improve operational efficiency, with most business units now financially independent and others expected to achieve autonomy before the end of the year. “I will continue to apologise to Mr Tony Akiotu and the affected management staff for any hurt feelings,” he said, “but I have no regrets — the results validate the decision.”

In response, Akiotu criticised Dokpesi Jr’s statement as unfair and misleading. He argued that it was inappropriate for a chairman who presided over board meetings and approved management memos to later accuse the same leadership team of mismanagement. Akiotu highlighted that all major operational and financial decisions during his tenure were subject to board approval, and that the team had contributed significantly to the company’s growth into a national and international media brand, with operations spanning Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Akiotu also noted that while executive retirements may be permissible under corporate regulations, the public portrayal of their tenure overlooked the sacrifices made to build one of Nigeria’s pioneering broadcast institutions. “If Raymond Dokpesi Jr believes we played no part in the growth of the company, we leave it to Nigerians and history to make that judgment,” he said.

Industry observers say the dispute underscores ongoing debates about corporate governance, leadership succession, and strategic reform within DAAR Communications, which continues to be a major player in Nigeria’s broadcast media sector. Both parties have called for dialogue, but the public nature of the clash has drawn attention across the media and business community, with speculation over potential boardroom changes and the company’s future direction.

Dokpesi Jr, Ex-GMD Akiotu Clash Over DAAR Communications Mgt Restructuring

Inflation Slows to 15.10% as Food Prices Eased in January

Nigeria’s inflation rate recorded a marginal decline to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, signalling a slight moderation in consumer prices at the start of the year.

Latest data released on Monday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that headline inflation dipped from 15.15 per cent in December 2025, reflecting a 0.05 percentage point decrease.

The NBS, in its January Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, also revealed that food inflation — a key driver of household spending pressures — eased significantly to 8.89 per cent in January, down from 10.84 per cent recorded in December.

According to the bureau, the CPI dropped to 127.4 points in January from 131.2 points in the preceding month, representing a 3.8-point decline.

On a month-on-month basis, inflation fell sharply to -2.88 per cent in January, compared to 0.54 per cent in December — a 3.42 percentage point swing.

This indicates that the average price level not only slowed but contracted within the month under review.

“The Consumer Price Index (CPI) declined to 127.4 in January 2026, reflecting a 3.8-point decrease from the preceding month (131.2),” the NBS stated.

It added, “In January 2026, the headline inflation rate eased to 15.10%, down from 15.15% in December 2025.

“On a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in January 2026 was -2.88%, which was 3.42% lower than the rate recorded in December 2025 (0.54%).”

The moderation in both headline and food inflation may offer cautious optimism for households and policymakers, particularly amid ongoing economic reforms and cost-of-living concerns.

However, analysts note that while the decline suggests easing price pressures, the overall inflation rate remains elevated, keeping purchasing power under strain.

Appeal Court Ruling on VIO Limited to Abuja, Not Lagos — LASG

The Lagos State Government has dismissed widespread claims that a recent Court of Appeal judgment has stripped Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) of their powers across Nigeria, insisting that the ruling applies strictly to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The clarification follows public reactions to a decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, which upheld an earlier ruling of the Federal High Court restraining Vehicle Inspection Officers and the Directorate of Road Traffic Services in the FCT from stopping motorists, impounding vehicles, or imposing fines.

The judgment triggered viral interpretations suggesting that VIO operations had been outlawed nationwide.

However, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, described such interpretations as legally inaccurate and misleading.

Basis of the Court Decision

According to Pedro, both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal premised their decisions on the absence of statutory authority empowering VIO officials in the FCT to stop, impound, confiscate vehicles, or impose fines on motorists.

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“It is important to understand that the Honourable Judge of the Federal High Court and Justices of the Court of Appeal premised their decision on absence of statutory power conferred on the Respondents to stop, impound or confiscate vehicles and/or impose fines on motorists on roads in FCT Abuja,” he stated.

He noted that the courts did not declare vehicle inspection enforcement unconstitutional in Nigeria, but rather ruled specifically on the legal framework governing the FCT authorities involved in the suit.

Why Lagos Is Different

The Lagos government stressed that Nigeria’s federal structure allows states to legislate on residual matters such as road traffic management and vehicle inspection.

Pedro explained that Lagos operates under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, which expressly establishes and empowers the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS).

Section 12(1) of the law authorises the VIS to:

Inspect and regulate the roadworthiness of vehicles

Conduct pre-registration inspections

Issue Road Worthiness Certificates

Collaborate with other relevant agencies to enforce traffic laws

In addition, Section 23(1) provides for penalties against offenders, subject to adjudication before mobile or magistrate courts, ensuring judicial oversight.

Not of Nationwide Effect

While acknowledging that the appellate decision is binding within the FCT, the Lagos government emphasised that it does not have automatic nationwide application.

“The judgment, though binding, is not of general application or of nationwide effect in Nigeria,” the ministry stated.

The state government stressed that VIS officers in Lagos remain legally empowered to carry out enforcement duties under extant state laws.

Wider Implications

The controversy underscores ongoing debates over traffic enforcement powers in Nigeria, particularly the constitutional boundaries between federal and state authorities.

Legal analysts note that unless the Supreme Court delivers a broader pronouncement on the issue, enforcement powers will continue to depend largely on the specific statutory framework establishing such agencies in each jurisdiction.

For now, Lagos authorities insist that vehicle inspection and traffic enforcement operations in the state remain valid and legally grounded.

Appeal Court Ruling on VIO Limited to Abuja, Not Lagos — LASG