Sanusi: I made Wigwe head of my children’s trust fund — I thought I’d die before him

Muhammadu Sanusi II, former Emir of Kano, has narrated the role played by Herbert Wigwe, the late banker, before and after his dethronement as a monarch. 

Until his demise, Wigwe was the GCEO of Access Holdings Plc and founder of Wigwe University.

Wigwe, alongside his wife, son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), were involved in a helicopter crash in the United States on February 10, 2024.

All six passengers onboard the Eurocopter EC130 helicopter died.

‘HE WAS THERE FOR MY FAMILY’

Speaking at the night of tributes in honour of Wigwe on Wednesday, Sanusi narrated how he set up a trust fund for the school fees of his children and made Wigwe the lead protector of the fund.

The former Emir said he thought he was going to die before Wigwe, adding that the late businessman stood behind him during his travails in Kano.

“About two years ago, I put all my savings in a trust for the education of my children because I have many,” he said.

“My priority as a father is to make sure that when I pass away, they will have a good education.

“Paul was a solicitor put in that trust, Herbert was the lead protector. Paul will remember when we had the first formal meeting.

“I said, ‘Herbert I am placing you in charge of this trust for the education of my children because I know that even if I die and did not leave any money, you will educate our children.

“I was thinking I would die and leave Herbert. We have all heard about him, about his loyalty.

“When I had problems in Kano, I called him about six months before I was told to leave Kano.

“I said to him, ‘Herbert, I know you are doing all your best to solve all these problems, but I am convinced that this is what is going to happen.

“He said to me, ‘Your Highness, don’t worry. Whatever happens, don’t worry. We are here for you.’

“On the day I heard on the radio that I was dethroned, I called him and said I wanted to come to Lagos. The announcement was made about 9 am. By noon, Herbert had a plane at the tarmac in Kano.

“The plan then was to take me into exile for many years. I put my family on that plane and sent them to Lagos, with no phone calls. Herbert received them and put them in a hotel.

“Later, he got them accommodation. For months, when I came, they stayed there. ‘Your Highness, if you want to travel, just call Sola’, he would say.”

THE CBN YEARS

During the event, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said Wigwe and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, his partner, played prominent roles in the successes he achieved during his tenure at the apex bank.

“The objective then was to link the banking sector assets to the real economy and Aig and Herbert in Access Bank were chosen as the chairpersons on the subcommittee on economic development,” he added.

“Most of what I achieved in the central bank would not have been possible without them.”

Sanusi was CBN governor from 2009 to 2014. He oversaw a slew of banking reforms until his suspension by the presidency.

In March 2020, Abdullahi Ganduje, former governor of Kano, dethroned  Sanusi as Emir.

Sanusi ascended the throne on June 8, 2014, following the death of Ado Bayero, who reigned from 1963 till his death in 2014.