Access Bank MD, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Back in the Limelight

Death changes things. This has always been a harsh reality of life, one that some people try to escape from. Escaping the change that comes with death is not an option for Access Bank MD, Roosevelt Ogbonna, now that his boss, Herbert Wigwe, is gone. Instead, the corporate man needs to step into the shadows and show himself as wielding the reigns of the institution he has contributed much to.

The passing of Wigwe was too sudden. Perhaps if it was through the doors of sickness that he walked away, the Access Holdings boss’ death would be easier to bear. But a helicopter crash is a sudden mode of exit, and it left too many things in a messy state, including the leadership of his legacy institution, Access Bank.

For many Nigerians, Wigwe’s passing returned Ogbonna to the limelight as Access Bank MD. Even though the latter has always worked under Wigwe, he did that under seemingly quiet conditions, satisfied to let Wigwe’s strong and imposing corporate image overshadow everything.

 Ogbonna is now one of Access Bank’s pillars, one helping the institution remain on its feet. Careful scrutinisation reveals that certain rumours have begun to creep in that threaten to reduce the institution’s prestigious and stainless corporate image. The onus is on Ogbonna and a few others, making it clearer that the MD can no longer keep a maintained profile.

Ogbonna emerged as Access Bank’s MD/CEO in 2022, having previously served as the institution’s Deputy Managing Director since 2017. Before then, he was an Executive Director for four years and experienced the ups and downs of the banking industry from Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) before joining Access Bank in 2002.

Ogbonna’s 20-plus years of banking experience is sure to help him better manage Access Bank’s affairs in the coming days. With Wigwe’s absence, the time has come for him to step into the light.