Blessing Wagor, the traditional ruler of Isiokpo in Rivers state, South-South Nigeria, has said “traditional means” will be used to investigate the death of Herbert Wigwe.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc, Wigwe, hails from Isiokpo in Ikwerre LGA of the state.
The co-founder of Access Bank died in a helicopter crash in the United States alongside his wife, son and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group).
All six people on board were confirmed dead.
Wagor, while speaking at a meeting in his palace, said the traditional methods would reveal if his death was “natural” or “human”.
The monarch said the late GCEO must be buried according to traditional rites.
The Nation newspaper quoted him as saying on Thursday, “We must traditionally bury him. He cannot be buried outside Isiokpo. He must be buried here. Isiokpo must find a way to probe his death.
“We must get to the root of the whole thing. Isiokpo is an ancient city. We must go back to our traditional ways and find out what really killed Herbert Wigwe.
“If his death is natural, we will know. If it is from a human, we will know.”
Wagor described Wigwe as “a wonderful person to us”.
The monarch said, “He left many legacies in the community. He sited a university here. He made many promises. He promised us plenty of things. We are in tears.
“The light project he promised us is still ongoing. Who will give us light again? He has gone and we are in pain. What happens to our Xmas bonus? He used to supply rice all over Isiokpo. We enjoyed him and his death is painful.
“He was humble, honest and respectful.”
He further urged residents to follow in Wigwe’s footsteps in making their impact on the community.
