EXTRA: We’ll use traditional means to probe Wigwe’s death, says Rivers monarch

Blessing Wagor, the traditional ruler of Isiokpo in Rivers state, says “traditional means” will be used to investigate the death of Herbert Wigwe. 

Wigwe, the group chief executive officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc, hails from Isiokpo in Ikwerre LGA of the state.

The co-founder of Access Bank died in a  helicopter crash in the United States alongside his wife, son and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group).

All six people onboard were confirmed dead.

Speaking at a meeting in his palace, Wagor said the traditional methods would reveal if his death was “natural” or “human”.

The monarch said the late GCEO must be buried according to traditional rites.

“We must traditionally bury him. He cannot be buried outside Isiokpo. He must be buried here. Isiokpo must find a way to probe his death,” The Nation newspaper quoted him as saying on Thursday.

“We must get to the root of the whole thing. Isiokpo is an ancient city. We must go back to our traditional ways and find out what really killed Herbert Wigwe.

“If his death is natural, we will know. If it is from a human, we will know.”

Wagor described Wigwe as “a wonderful person to us”.

“He left many legacies in the community. He sited a university here. He made many promises. He promised us plenty of things. We are in tears,” he said.

“The light project he promised us is still ongoing. Who will give us light again? He has gone and we are in pain. What happens to our Xmas bonus? He used to supply rice all over Isiokpo. We enjoyed him and his death is painful.

“He was humble, honest and respectful.”

The monarch asked residents to follow Wigwe’s footsteps in making their impact on the community.