Obi, Onanuga, Chidoka, others express shock over death of Herbert Wigwe

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy and a former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka have expressed deep sadness over the tragic passing of late Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Roosevelt Herbert Wigwe.

Wigwe, the Co-founder of Access Bank and the founder, Wigwe University, alongside his wife, Chizoba, son and lawyer, Abimbola Ogunbanjo died in a ghastly helicopter crash on Friday.

Obi expressed deep sadness over the tragic passing of Wigwe, who he described as a dear friend, recalling how he once helped the Access Bank boss prepare for his traditional wedding.

“This loss is profoundly felt across the nation. I first met Herbert during his early days, on the brink of starting his marital journey. I vividly remember assisting him in preparing for his traditional wedding and being there for the ceremony with his wife, Chizoba, from Achina, Anambra State,” he recalled in a post on X.

“His noteworthy contributions extended beyond the professional realm, with commendable philanthropic efforts in health and education, exemplified by the establishment of Wigwe University, showcasing his deep commitment to education as a driver of development.

“The loss of such an exceptional individual reminds us of life’s fleeting nature, encouraging us to live with a purpose that contributes to the betterment of humanity. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Herbert, his beloved wife, and his son,” he added.

In another statement, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, said the death of Wigwe is a terrible blow for Nigeria and Africa’s banking industry,” Onanuga wrote on X.

“May his soul rest in perfect peace. May the souls of his wife Chizoba, son and lawyer Abimbola Ogunbanjo, who died in the same ghastly copter crash in California desert also rest in peace.”

Similarly, former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has revealed his last moments with the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe.

Chidoka said he requested to be part of this particular trip to the USA with Wigwe, who jokingly turned down his request.

“We had an appointment last Thursday. ‘Osita, I will fly into Abuja with the VC on Thursday; after our meeting, I will leave for the US,’ I said. ‘Herbert, wetin they pursue you, you travel a lot these days, biko take me along.’ He laughed and said, ‘Osita, you can’t keep up with my pace. Just enjoy your peace,’” He wrote on X.

“We laughed and said goodbyes. It was the last goodbye. He couldn’t make it on Thursday.

“Since I left public office, he has been a strong supporter and friend. His wife Chizoba was at my wedding 22 years ago. His son looked up to me as his parents literally handed him over to me for mentorship.

“I am alone in the dark, wondering, is that it? Should we remain fearless? Somebody should tell me something.”