The announcement came just hours after Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director of Access Bank, stepped down from the HoldCo board in compliance with new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) corporate governance rules, which cap board membership at nine.
Ike’s appointment signals a fresh chapter for Access Holdings under the chairmanship of Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, who returned to steady the group after the passing of former CEO Herbert Wigwe in 2024.
Transition from Agbede to Ike
Ike succeeds Bolaji Agbede, who has steered the company in an acting capacity for the past 18 months. Agbede, widely credited with stabilising the group during its most turbulent period, will now return to her position as Executive Director, Business Support.
During her tenure, Access completed a ₦351 billion rights issue, successfully held two Annual General Meetings, and maintained workforce stability. Chairman Aig-Imoukhuede described her role as “invaluable in navigating the company through challenges and opportunities.”
Ike’s Profile
With over 30 years in banking and financial services, Ike is a Fellow of both CIBN and ICAN, a University of Lagos-trained accountant, and a certified IFRS expert.
He spent a decade at Access Bank, rising to General Manager with responsibility for corporate, commercial, and public sector portfolios, before serving as MD/CEO of Polaris Bank (2020–2022), where he launched VULTe, its award-winning digital 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.”
Ogbonna’s Exit
The leadership reshuffle follows the resignation of Roosevelt Ogbonna from the HoldCo board — a move that sparked debate in the sector, given Access Bank contributes over 90% of group revenues and 95% of assets.
Though his absence from the HoldCo board is striking, sources told Nairametrics the decision was purely regulatory, not linked to internal discord. Ogbonna remains MD of Access Bank.
A Defining Moment
Access Holdings, formed in 2022 through a scheme of arrangement with Access Bank shareholders, has since expanded into 17 markets across Africa and beyond, cementing its position as one of the continent’s most diversified financial services groups.
With key departures — from Seyi Kumapayi to Ogbonna — and Ike’s confirmation as CEO, the group’s leadership is recalibrating to balance continuity, regulation, and growth ambitions in the post-Wigwe era.