• Maverick banker quits job because he became a treat to M.D, Ifie Sekibo
• How he was paid off by the bank to please Sekibo and rejig the power equation
Crushed like ice, Robert Mbonu rued the treachery that racked his soul; the former Heritage Bank boss was betrayed by his employer, Heritage Bank. The bank’s management spoke words that leapt from their vocal cords like snake venom. Now, after years of observation and enough courage to admit what he has suffered and endured, Mbonu will endeavour to plant loyalty only where he will survive betrayal and lies.
It is an open yet closely guarded secret in Heritage Bank today that Robert, a brilliant banker, and Executive Director in charge of Enterprise Management Group was surreptitiously eased out of the bank’s management. Though no official reason has been given for Mbonu’s dismissal, sources close to the bank alleged that it might not be unconnected with a power tussle between him and the bank’s Managing Director (MD), Ifie Sekibo.
A former MD of the Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria, owned by the illustrious Saraki family, Mbonu was arrested in 2013 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2013 for his involvement in the pillaging of the bank’s vault. The SGBN later metamorphosed into Heritage Bank where Mbonu was placed below Sekibo. The centre never held between the duo as Sekibo persistently felt threatened by Mbonu’s brilliance and competency at his job.
The embers of discord were further stoked between the two when Heritage Bank acquired Enterprise Bank. Mbonu allegedly believed that, being a tested and trusted turn-around expert, he would be given the responsibility of integrating the moribund bank into the Heritage Banking Company Limited. Alas, that was not to be. Yet, his competence and prolificacy are not in doubt – a fact attested to by the bank on its website. Mbonu was allegedly paid off by the bank.
There is no doubt Mbonu is an astute numbers man and a seasoned Banker. He took charge and led the team that restructured the former Societe Generale Bank Nig. leading up to the bank’s acquisition by IEI Investments Limited. “Robb” as he is fondly called by friends and associates, headed the Enterprise Management Group of Heritage Bank until he was craftily dismissed as a result of high-wired boardroom politics.
Following a stint in Civil Engineering practice, he joined the Banking Industry where he has worked for over 22 years. His banking experience was in key areas of Credit and Marketing, Equipment Leasing, Loans Administration, Project and Structured Finance, Risk Management, and branch expansion.
He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (B.Eng), and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA-Finance), and has attended executive programs at various institutes including; DC Gardner; The International Management School; and Harvard Business School. He is an Alumni member of the Institute for Management Development (IMD), Switzerland and The Lagos Business School (CEP13). He is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), The Institute of Management (NIM) and the Institute of Directors (IOD).
After he quit his job with Heritage Bank, he relocated abroad for study. A lover of the visual, musical and performing arts; he has dedicated time and effort to uplifting and showcasing art and artists. He is a member of the Visual Arts Society of Nigeria (VASON), Tate – United Kingdom, and the Metropolitan Museum of Arts, New York.
As you read, Mbonu is back in the country to open an Arts Gallery. The power-dresser who made the banking industry his oyster for the past 22 years has finally decided to pursue his love for arts and invest himself fully in it. At the moment, Mbonu is planning a major breakthrough into the arts business. To this end, the former Heritage Bank big gun is planning a large gallery that would offer the rarest artistry and genius for the pleasure of local and international art buffs.
