The family of Herbert Wigwe, former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings PLC, has announced the arrangements for his burial following his tragic demise. Alongside him, his wife Chizoba and son Chizi perished in a helicopter crash in the United States on February 9, 2024.
Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group PLC (NGX Group), was also among the victims of the crash. The family disclosed that all passengers onboard had been confirmed dead.
In the funeral announcement, the family revealed that the burial rites would commence with a tribute to Wigwe’s professional legacy at the Eko Hotel in Lagos on March 4, concluding with an outing service at the Redeemed Christian Church Of God (RCCG), Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State on March 10.
Separate ceremonies to celebrate the lives of Chizi and Chizoba are scheduled for March 5 at the Eko Hotel in Lagos, followed by a night of tribute the next day at the same venue. A combined service of songs will take place on March 7 at the RCCG, Resurrection Parish, Lekki, followed by a Christian wake at Wigwe University, Isiokpo in Rivers State.
The combined funeral and private internment service are set for March 9. However, the City of David parish of the RCCG, where the Wigwes worshipped, was notably excluded from the burial programme.
Reports suggest that this exclusion may be linked to the lavish 60th birthday celebration of the parish senior pastor’s wife, Siju Iluyomade, following the death of the billionaire businessman. Many Nigerians argued that the cleric’s wife, who was akin to a spiritual mother to the Wigwes, should have postponed her birthday party out of respect for their demise.
