Wigwe, wife, son set to be buried today in Rivers

The stage is now set for the interment of the late former Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, in his hometown of Omueke in Isiokpo, Ikwere Local Government Area of Rivers State, today.

On Friday, his remains, accompanied by an extensive motorcade, departed from the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, in Ikwerre LGA at approximately 1:33 pm, heading straight to his father’s compound in Omueke, Isiokpo.

Wigwe’s kinsmen had insisted on burying him in his hometown, employing ancient traditions to ascertain the cause of his demise. Many community members donned black attire in anticipation of Wigwe’s body, while married women from Isiokpo gathered at the community’s entrance, offering prayers to ward off untimely death and mourning the loss of prominent community members.

Over 200 women, after completing a three-day fasting period, welcomed the body, praying fervently in their dialect for the removal of the spirit of untimely death and the preservation of their prominent figures.

The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, and community elders received Wigwe’s body on Friday morning, expressing profound grief and hailing his visionary contributions to the Ikwerre ethnic nationality. Plans to immortalize him were also discussed.

In preparation for the burial, approximately 30 private jets carrying dignitaries such as governors, ministers, politicians, industry captains, and traditional rulers are expected to attend. Heavy traffic at the Port Harcourt International Airport indicates the arrival of visitors, and preparations are underway for a wake at Wigwe University, which he founded and is near completion.

The Rivers State Police Command has taken significant security measures to ensure a peaceful and organized burial ceremony. The deployment of operatives, including Mobile policemen, from various units and undercover personnel, is anticipated due to the expected large gathering of mourners.