Sanusi shares how Wigwe saved his family after his Kano emir dethronement.
Sanusi, the 14th Emir of Kano State, shared how Dr. Herbert Wigwe, the late CEO of Access Bank, came to his rescue after he was dethroned and had to leave Kano. He recounted this at a tribute event in Lagos, expressing gratitude for Wigwe’s support during a difficult time. Sanusi remembered calling Wigwe six months before leaving Kano, and despite the challenges, Wigwe assured him of his support.
He added, “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 always prioritized others over himself. It’s incredible how one person could mean so much to so many.”
Sanusi also remembered entrusting his life savings to Wigwe because he thought he would pass away before him.
“About two years ago, I put all my savings into a Trust for my children’s education. I have many, and my priority as a father is to ensure they receive a good education.
“I told Herbert, ‘I am placing you in charge of this Trust for my children’s education because I trust that even if I die and leave no money, you will educate my children.
“I thought I would die before Herbert,” he revealed.
Sanusi who was comforted by Abia State Governor.
Sanusi, comforted by Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Aig-Imoukhuede, and an aide due to his tears, added that because of the kindness Wigwe showed him, many believed he owned Access Bank, with Wigwe and Aig-Imoukhuede as his proxies.
On the day before this happened, I was in a chat group when someone made offensive remarks about Herbert, and I defended him vehemently. I made it clear that such remarks were unacceptable.
“A few days after Herbert’s passing, a friend told me he sent Herbert a message at 3:20 am, praising how I stood up for him. Herbert replied with ‘unbelievable’ at 3:28 am, just before the crash at 3:30 am. Possibly, the last thing Herbert read was my message about him,” he added.
Vice President Kashim Shetimma also paid tribute to Wigwe, saying, “Herbert, though an early bloomer, didn’t fade away prematurely.
“Their achievements were not just individual triumphs but testaments to the collective strength they inspired. May Herbert’s legacy continue to bloom. Herbert left us in winter, far from home. But his spring isn’t passive. It’s a celebration of his flight to heights few reach.
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“I feel privileged to share in Herbert’s memories. His journey was defined by unique seasons. He bloomed long before others. So this home left with him.
