Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Chairman of Nigeria Exchange Group

NGX Group Mourns Former Chairman, Ogunbanjo, Access Bank’s Wigwe

Salamatu Ejembi, Lagos

Last updated Feb 11, 2024

The Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) has expressed its sadness over the demise of its former Group Chairman, Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo, who died in a helicopter crash in the United States of America.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the NGX also mourned the loss of the Group Managing Director of Access Holdings Plc, Dr Herbert Wigwe, CFR, his wife Doreen and their son, Chizi who were also onboard the chopper which crashed on Friday, February 9, 2024.

The NGX described Mr Ogunbanjo as a visionary leader and luminary in Nigeria’s corporate legal and capital market spheres, who served as the President of the National Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) from 2017 to 2021 and also as the first Group Chairman of NGX Group from 2021 to 2022, following the demutualisation of the Exchange.

“His strategic acumen and dedication were instrumental in shaping NGX Group’s transformative journey,” the statement noted.

According to the Group Chairman of the NGX Group, Dr Umaru Kwairanga, “Bamofin Ogunbanjo’s leadership has left an indelible mark on our organisation and the broader Nigerian financial community, and his legacy will continue to inspire us. Dr. Wigwe also leaves an unblemished footprint in our private sector. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time. May their souls rest in peace and may the Almighty comfort their families”.

The Group CEO of NGX Group, Mr. Temi Popoola, added that, “the passing of Bamofin Ogunbanjo is a profound loss for NGX Group and the entire Nigerian private sector. He played a crucial role in shaping NGX Group, and while he will be sorely missed, his visionary leadership and impact will never be forgotten. It is heartbreaking to learn that Dr. Wigwe, his wife and son also lost their lives in the accident. The contributions of these two respected leaders to the financial markets and the overall private sector will be remembered, and we are committed to preserving their legacy by upholding the principles of leadership, innovation, and dedication that they exemplified.”

Beyond his role at NGX Group, Bamofin Ogunbanjo was a legal practitioner and served as Managing Partner of Chris Ogunbanjo LP (Solicitors).

He also served on the boards of several multinational corporations and non-profit organisations including Beta Glass Plc and the Advisory Board of the University of Buckingham Centre for Extractive Studies as well as GTL Registrars Limited, AIICO Insurance Plc and ConocoPhillips Limited amongst others.

His contributions to the legal profession and corporate governance were exemplary, earning him widespread respect and admiration.