Tochi Wigwe marries Wilson Aikhomu in traditional ceremony in Lagos

On 5 November 2026, Tochi Wigwe, the oldest living child of Herbert Wigwe, the former head of Access Bank, exchanged vows with Wilson Aikhomu during a customary celebration in Ikoyi, Lagos. The private event was attended by close family members and friends and featured customary rites such as the payment of bride price, signing of family documents and the formal handover of the bride to her husband’s family.

The ceremony was captured on video and photographs that quickly circulated on social media, prompting congratulatory messages from well‑wishers. Tochi, 28, holds a degree from New York University and a master’s from Imperial College London, and currently serves as a director of the HOW Foundation, an organisation established in memory of her late father. Wilson Aikhomu, a Lagos‑based investment professional, is Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Zoya Admiralty.

Background

Herbert Wigwe, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s banking sector, died together with his wife Chizoba and their son Chizi in a helicopter crash near Nipton, California, on 9 February 2024. The disaster resulted in the deaths of Abimbola Ogunbanjo, who previously led the Nigerian Exchange Group, along with two members of the flight crew. The Wigwe family has since been in the public eye, with Tochi taking on leadership of the HOW Foundation, which was created to honour her father’s legacy.

Wilson Aikhomu hails from a prominent military lineage, being the offspring of the deceased Rear Admiral Joseph Aikhomu and the relative of former Chief of General Staff Admiral Augustus Aikhomu. His academic background includes a finance degree from California State University, Northridge, and a certification in Investments and Risk Finance from the University of Westminster. Prior to his role at Zoya Admiralty, he worked with Leadway and RMB Stockbroking. The groom had also maintained a close friendship with Tochi's deceased sibling, Chizi.

Why it matters

The marriage brings together two powerful Nigerian families from the financial and military sectors, strengthening social ties that frequently overlap with commercial and charitable endeavors. Tochi’s role as director of the HOW Foundation positions her to continue her father’s charitable initiatives, while Wilson’s leadership at Zoya Admiralty links the event to the investment sector. The ceremony also highlights the personal resilience of the Wigwe family following the 2024 tragedy, offering a narrative of continuity and renewal that resonates with the broader public and business community.

What happens next

No further public events or official statements about subsequent celebrations have been announced. The families are expected to observe customary post‑wedding traditions privately, and Tochi is likely to continue her work with the HOW Foundation while balancing her new marital responsibilities.