“Herbert Wigwe gave my family accommodation when I was dethroned as Emir of Kano” — Alhaji Sanusi reveals

• Former Emir of Kano, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi II, shares how Herbert Wigwe, former Access Holdings Plc CEO, assisted him and his family after his dethroning.

• Sanusi praised Wigwe for his success at the Central Bank of Nigeria, highlighting the role of Access Bank CEO and partner Aig Imoukhuede.

Alhaji Lamido Sanusi II, the former Emir of Kano, has disclosed how Herbert Wigwe, the late Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, aided him and his family after he was dethroned as Emir of Kano.

Sanusi, who paid tribute to the late Wigwe on Wednesday, also noted that the late Access Bank CEO and his partner Aig Imoukhuede were critical to his achievement while serving as governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria for five years.

Addressing the crowd, Sanusi stated, “I was thinking I would die and leave Herbert. We have all heard about him, about his loyalty,” Sanusi said in an emotionally laden voice.

“When I had problems in Kano, I called him about 6 months before I was told to leave Kano. I said to him, ‘Herbert I know you’re doing all your best to solve all these problems, but I’m 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 Shola.”

He also described how they helped in resolving a major issue in the banking sector at the time.