Access Names Ike as New Group CEO

Access Holdings has appointed Innocent Ike as its substantive Group Chief Executive Officer, bringing an end to Bolaji Agbede’s 18-month acting leadership. The appointment takes effect from 29 August 2025, following regulatory approval.

Agbede stepped in after the sudden passing of Herbert Wigwe in early 2024, guiding the company through a difficult phase. However, rules by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which require minimum CEO experience for financial holding companies, meant she could not be confirmed as the permanent chief.

Agbede’s Time in Charge

Despite regulatory limits, Agbede steered the group through turbulence. She managed the successful execution of a ₦351 billion rights issue (about $229 million), ensured workforce stability, and oversaw two Annual General Meetings.

Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede praised her leadership in a filing, saying: “Her outstanding contributions over the past 18 months have been invaluable… we are grateful for the strong foundation that has been laid.”

Agbede will now return to her previous role as Executive Director, Business Support within the group.

Who is Innocent Ike?

Ike brings over three decades of banking experience. He spent ten years at Access Bank, rising to General Manager. More recently, he led Polaris Bank from 2020 to 2022, where he launched its digital platform, VULTe, and collected several industry awards.

A chartered accountant, he is a fellow of both ICAN and CIBN, and was recognised as the best graduating student of accounting at the University of Lagos in 1988.

Commenting on his appointment, Ike said: “I look forward to building on the strong legacy established by Herbert Wigwe and Bolaji Agbede, and to delivering exceptional value to shareholders and stakeholders.”