Access Holdings Plc has appointed Mr. Innocent Ike as its substantive Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO), effective August 29, 2025, following regulatory approval.
The move comes just hours after Roosevelt Ogbonna stepped down from the company’s board in line with new corporate governance rules.
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.
Leadership changes have been gathering pace in recent months.
- 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.
Transition from Agbede to Ike
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.
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.”
Roosevelt Ogbonna’s exit
The news of Ike’s appointment follows closely the resignation of Roosevelt Ogbonna from the HoldCo board — a move that sent ripples through the banking sector.
- A veteran of Access Bank and one of the most recognizable executives in the industry, Ogbonna’s departure raised speculation of internal friction.
- However, sources close to him told Nairametrics the decision was a collective board action to comply with CBN guidelines, not a result of rancor.
Access Bank, which he leads, accounts for more than 90% of group revenues and 95% of total assets, making his absence from the HoldCo board particularly notable.
What you should know
- Access Holdings was established in 2022 through a Scheme of Arrangement between Access Bank Plc and its shareholders.
- Since then, the group has expanded into 17 markets across Africa and beyond, making it one of the continent’s most diversified financial services firms.
- The recent leadership changes—from Kumapayi’s departure to Ogbonna’s resignation and now Ike’s appointment—mark a defining moment in its journey.
For stakeholders, the key question is how this recalibrated leadership under Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede will balance continuity with the demands of regulation, expansion, and market competition.
Whatever you guys do it’s your business.
My own is why can’t I withdraw my money.
Now I am stuck somewhere and I am on my way for an important appointment.
My only fault is having all my money in Access
Thanks God
Good