Wigwe’s wife and son hardly flew with him, says Alex Otti

Alex Otti, governor of Abia, has mourned the death of Herbert Wigwe, group chief executive officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc.

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 Saturday.

There were six passengers onboard, but no survivors have been found so far.

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said all passengers, including two crew members, were fatally injured.

In a statement on Sunday, Otti expressed shock at Wigwe’s demise.

Otti said he was encouraged by Wigwe to get into public service, adding that he consistently supported him through the journey.

The Abia governor said Wigwe’s wife and son’s deaths made his grief worse, particularly because they “rarely flew” with him.

“A few years ago, when a group of friends and I were working on a banking license, you drove to my house unannounced and insisted, ‘Alex, I’m glad you are working on a new bank, but I came to tell you that you should not run the bank. You have finished with banking; we need you in Abia and Abia needs you. We must get some of us that have the courage to go into public office, and you must remain there!’ Since then, you have been consistent in your support,” Otti recalled.

“This is one of the saddest moments in my life. To worsen the situation, Chizoba and Chizzy who hardly fly with you were in that chopper. I’m still trying to make sense of the whole situation.

“I wish someone would wake me up and reassure me that this was a bad dream! But alas it is real.”

Otti described Wigwe’s death as “too big a blow” and prayed that the souls of the deceased find rest.

Earlier, President Bola Tinubu said the incident was an “overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension”.

Tinubu also condoled with the family of Ogunbanjo, while describing the duo of Wigwe and Ogunbanjo as “exceptional business leaders”.

Tony Elumelu, chairman of Heirs Holdings, and Femi Otedola, billionaire businessman, are also among Nigerians that have paid tribute to the late GCEO of Access Holdings Plc and Ogunbanjo.