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Emir Of Kano Recounts Herbert Wigwe’s Timely Support Following Dethronement
Wigwe died in a helicopter crash in California, near the Nevada border, in the United States of America, alongside his wife, Doreen, son, Chizzi and former Managing Director of Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo
The 14th Emir of Kano State, Mohammed Sanusi, emotionally recounted how the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, came to his aid after he was dethroned and had to leave the state, News About Nigeria reports.
Sanusi shared the heartfelt account during the night of tributes organised in Wigwe’s honour in Lagos on Wednesday.
The former Emir said that Wigwe played a pivotal role in providing support for him and his family during a challenging period.
Sanusi, visibly moved to tears, stated that Wigwe immediately responded when he heard of Sanusi’s dethronement.
According to Sanusi, Herbert arranged for a plane to transport Sanusi’s family from Kano to Lagos, providing accommodation and support during their transition.
The former Emir debunked speculations that he owned Access Bank, stating that the kindness extended to him by Wigwe gave rise to unfounded beliefs that Wigwe and Aig-Imoukhuede were his proxies.
Recounting a personal connection, Sanusi said he entrusted his life savings to Wigwe, because he believed that he would pass away before the late banker.
The former Emir praised Wigwe’s selflessness and generosity, stating that he was diversed, not just as a businessman but as a compassionate individual.
“When I heard of his death, I said ‘In the coming weeks and months, people will get to know Herbert the human being’. They know him as a banker, as a businessman, they don’t know him as a human being.
“He was always about others, not about himself. You can’t imagine how one human being could have been so many things to so many people,” he said.
The night of tributes in Lagos had in attendance esteemed personalities, including Vice President Kashim Shetimma, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Aliko Dangote, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, and Henry Imasekha, among others.
Wigwe died in a helicopter crash in California, near the Nevada border, in the United States of America, alongside his wife, Doreen, son, Chizzi and former Managing Director of Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.
