The late Access Bank CEO, Herbert Wigwe, recently opened a multi-billion-naira mansion in Ikoyi, Lagos, just weeks before his untimely death. The house, located in the area known as Queen’s Drive, was described by aides as state-of-the-art and fully automated.
Femi Otedola, a Nigerian businessman and former chairman of Forte Oil Plc, revealed that he and Aliko Dangote, the richest African, were hosted by the Wigwes at the newly built house just two weeks before the tragic accident.
According to sources, Wigwe’s new house was his dream home, and no cost was spared in its construction. With a rough estimate of over 10 billion naira spent on the project, Wigwe ensured that the house was fully equipped with digital and automated technology, including features controlled by Siri and Google Assistant.
Wigwe saw the house as his retirement home in Lagos and wanted to make sure it reflected his ambition and class. Unfortunately, he had no idea that the dinner with Dangote and Otedola would be their final gathering together.
Wigwe was a wealthy man in his lifetime, with a 9% shareholding in Access Bank, making him the largest shareholder and his shares worth $54 million. His sudden death, along with his wife, son, and former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in a helicopter crash in California, has left a void in the banking industry and among his family and friends.
Herbert Wigwe leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered, and his new mansion stands as a testament to his success and vision. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his children during this tragic time.
