Wigwe’s Death: Devastated Peter Obi Shelves AFCON Final Watch

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, will be absent in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire today as the Super Eagles of Nigeria face the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in an epoch final of the Africa Football Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Obi, a staunch supporter of the Super Eagles since his tenure as Governor of Anambra State (2006-2014), was in Abidjan to cheer the Eagles to victory in their quarter-final match against Angola. He had already purchased a return ticket and was scheduled to leave Nigeria for the West African country at 1 p.m. today when tragedy struck in the United States, devastating the LP standards bearer.

Obi’s passion for football began while he was a student at Christ the King College, CKC, Onitsha, where he also supported Rangers International of Enugu and the old Green Eagles.

As Governor, he demonstrated his passion for the game by renaming the Onitsha township stadium in Fagge, Onitsha, after the first national team captain, Godwin Achebe.

However, he will not be able to watch the epic match today due to a helicopter crash in California, USA on Saturday that killed two Nigerian seasoned bankers, including the CEO of Access Holdings, Mr Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc.
As a result, Obi is in shock and mourning and will be unable to travel to Abidjan as planned, but his heart remains with the boys and he wishes them victory in bringing home the trophy.

Obi wrote about the diceased on his X handle, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of my dear friend, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Holdings, along with his wife and son, and another close friend, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former group chairman of NGX Group.
“This loss is deeply felt across the country.

“I met Herbert when he was just getting started in his marriage. I remember assisting him in preparing for his traditional wedding and attending the ceremony with his wife, Chizoba, from Achina, Anambra State.

‘Since then, I have maintained a connection to his efforts in my modest way.

“Herbert, a determined and forward-thinking individual, took Access Bank to new heights after his brother, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede. His notable contributions extended beyond the professional realm, with commendable philanthropic efforts in health and education, as evidenced by the establishment of Wigwe University, which demonstrated his deep commitment to education as a driver of development.

“The death of such a remarkable person serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life, inspiring us to live with a purpose that benefits humanity.

“My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Herbert, his beloved wife, his son, and all those who died in the tragic plane crash.”

‘May God grant them eternal rest and give strength to Herbert’s family, Access Holdings, and all of us who mourn this irreplaceable.