Sanusi Recounts How Wigwe Saved His Family After Dethronement as Kano Emir

The 14th Emir of Kano State, Mohammed Sanusi, has shared a touching story of how the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Dr Herbert Wigwe, came to his rescue after he was dethroned and had to leave the state. Sanusi made this known at the continuation of the night of tributes organized in Wigwe’s honor in Lagos on Wednesday.

Recounting his experience with the late Wigwe, Sanusi, who was visibly emotional, recalled how Wigwe provided immediate assistance when he was in need. He recounted a moment when he called Wigwe about six months before he was to leave Kano, expressing his conviction about the impending change in his status. Sanusi said Wigwe assured him, saying, ‘Your Highness, don’t worry, whatever happens, don’t worry we are here for you.’

Sanusi further narrated that on the day he heard on the radio that he was dethroned, he immediately contacted Wigwe and expressed his desire to come to Lagos. Without hesitation, Wigwe arranged for a plane to pick up Sanusi’s family from Kano to Lagos, providing them with accommodation for months.

Sanusi also mentioned that due to Wigwe’s kindness, many people believed he (Sanusi) owned Access Bank, while Wigwe and Aig-Imoukhuede were his proxies. He expressed his gratitude for the support and accommodation provided by Wigwe during his stay in Lagos for four years.

In a touching revelation, Sanusi disclosed that he had entrusted his life savings to Wigwe, believing he would pass away before him. Sanusi praised Wigwe for his selflessness and kindness, stating that Wigwe was always about others, not about himself.

Sanusi, who was comforted by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, Aig-Imoukhuede, and an aide, expressed his deep sorrow over Wigwe’s passing, highlighting the impact Wigwe had on his life and the lives of many others. He concluded by sharing a touching moment when he defended Wigwe in a chat group, and Wigwe’s last message before his death expressed disbelief at Sanusi’s defense, indicating the strong bond between them.

In a related development, Vice President Kashim Shetimma also paid glowing tribute to Wigwe, describing him as a beacon of hope and inspiration. He praised Wigwe’s legacy and called for his memory to continue to inspire greatness in others.

Wigwe died in a helicopter crash in California, near the Nevada border, in the United States of America, alongside his wife, Doreen, son, Chizzy, and former Managing Director of Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo. The event was attended by dignitaries such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, Aigboje Aig- Imoukhuede, Chairman Coronation Group, Henry Imasekha, Chairman/CEO – Berkeley Group Plc, among others.