Access Holdings Plc has appointed Mr. Innocent Ike as its substantive Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, effective August 29, 2025, following regulatory approval.
The announcement comes just hours after Roosevelt Ogbonna resigned from the company’s board in line with new corporate governance rules issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria,(CBN).
Ike’s appointment signals a new phase under the chairmanship of Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, who returned to lead the group after the passing of former Group CEO Herbert Wigwe in 2024.
Earlier this year, Seyi Kumapayi, one of the group’s longest-serving directors, left the board.
More recently, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director of Access Bank, also resigned from the HoldCo board to comply with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 2023 corporate governance guidelines, which limit HoldCo boards to nine members.
With these exits and Ike now confirmed as substantive CEO, Access Holdings’ leadership structure is taking shape, reflecting efforts to strengthen governance, align with regulation, and chart a clear course for the post-Wigwe era.
Ike takes over from Bolaji Agbede, who has served as Acting GMD/CEO for the past 18 months. She will return to her role as Executive Director, Business Support, in line with regulatory requirements on years of experience for the top position.
Agbede has been widely commended for guiding the company through one of its most challenging periods.
During her tenure, Access maintained workforce stability, completed a N351 billion rights issue, and successfully held two annual general meetings milestones that helped steady the group following the sudden passing of Herbert Wigwe.
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Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede praised her contributions, describing them as “invaluable in navigating the company through challenges and opportunities.”
Who is Innocent Ike?
Ike brings over 30 years of experience in banking and financial services. A University of Lagos graduate in accounting and a Fellow of both CIBN and ICAN, he is also a certified IFRS expert.
He spent a decade at Access Bank, rising to General Manager with responsibility for corporate, commercial, and public sector portfolios.
He later served as MD/CEO of Polaris Bank (2020–2022), where he launched VULTe, the bank’s award-winning digital banking platform.
“I am honoured to take on this role and excited to work alongside the talented team at Access Holdings,” Ike said.
“I look forward to building on the strong legacy established by Herbert Wigwe and Bolaji Agbede, and driving our vision forward to deliver exceptional value to shareholders and stakeholders.”
