Michael Akhigbe

Michael Akhigbe Biography / Profile

Michael Okhai Akhigbe was born in his country home of Fugar in Estako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, on September 29th, 1946. Akhigbe worked under military regimes led by Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abacha, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, holding positions at various times as a governor or member of the armed forces ruling council. He rose to become the Chief of General Staff under the Abdulsalami Abubakar regime. He was retired from military service in 1999 just as Olusegun Obasanjo took over power as Nigeria’s elected president.

Michael Akhigbe Age

Michael Akhigbe would have been 77 years old, if he were alive today. May his soul rest in peace.

Michael Akhigbe Early Life

A member of the Aviawu clan, Akhigbe attended the Afenmai Anglican Grammar School, Igarra from 1961 to 1965. He went on to Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Royal Naval School of Maritime Operations, Dryad, Southwick, UK, Command and Staff College, Jaji, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru and the University of Poitiers, Rouan, France.

Michael Akhigbe Career

During the years of military in Nigeria, Akhigbe was the Military Governor of Ondo State from 1985 to 1986 and Military Governor of Lagos State in between 1986 ND 1988. His tenure in the two states was credited with dynamic efforts at improving socio-economic infrastructure. He held many other important posts in the Nigerian Navy including Principal Welfare Officer of the Nigeria Navy Flagship NNS Aradu, Director of Naval Plans, Naval Headquarters and Flag Officer Commanding [FOC], Eastern Naval Command, Lagos. He became Chief of Naval Staff during the Sani Abacha years. It was from this position that he was appointed the Chief of General Staff in 1998, the Number 2 position in the military government.

Even though the Abubakar regime was in charge for only 11 months, it changed the face of Nigeria indelibly from the dark days of the Abacha era. It released many political prisoners including those that were jailed for the 1995 and 1997 coup attempts against Abacha, the first one widely thought to be a phantom set up. The administration in which Akhigbe was second in command then did away from the Abacha transition that was pre-programmed to return the military ruler to power in civilian garbs and instead launched a credible transition program that culminated in a return to civilian rule in May 1999.

Akhigbe thereafter retired from the Navy and instead went into private business. He became an attorney with specialization in maritime and real estate law as well as a businessman with substantial investments in real estate. He was also a distinguished leader of his home community.

Michael Akhigbe Personal Life

Akhigbe passed on October 28th, 2013, in New York City, US, after a protracted battle with throat cancer. Announcing his death, his elder brother Chief Joseph Akhigbe, said the ex-millitary man was surrounded by his wife, his children, and their spouses.