Wigwe got me a plane in 3 hours when I was dethroned as emir of Kano — Sanusi

Former Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II has recalled how the late chief executive officer of Access Holdings Plc Herbert Wigwe showed him loyalty.

Addressing a crowd at the night of tributes to Wigwe in Lagos on Wednesday, Sanusi said he thought he would die before Wigwe.

He recalled how the late banker stood by his side all through his travails after being removed as emir by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

“When I had problems in Kano, I called him about six months before I was told to leave Kano. I said to him, ‘Herbert I know you are doing all your best to solve all these problems, but I am convinced that this is what is going to happen,’” Sanusi said.

“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 Sola.”

Wigwe, wife Chizoba, son Chizi, and former group chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Abimbola Ogunbanjo died in a helicopter crash in Southern California, United States on February 9.