The inheritance battle over late billionaire banker and former Access Bank CEO, Herbert Wigwe, has intensified. His 90-year-old father, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, has taken his 26-year-old granddaughter, Otutochi Wigwe, to court over a disputed inheritance. After the Lagos State High Court dismissed his application for interim reliefs, the case has now moved to the Court of Appeal, further deepening the family rift.
On February 6, 2025, Justice A.O. Adeyemi of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja rejected an application filed by Pastor Shyngle Wigwe and his son, Christian Wigwe. They sought interim administrators for the late Access Bank CEO’s estate. The legal action, allegedly led by Emeka Wigwe, named Access Bank Plc, Coronation Merchant Bank Ltd, United Securities Ltd, Uche Wigwe, former Access Bank CEO Aigboje Imoukhuede, and Otutochi Wigwe as defendants.
Speaking on the dismissal, a lawyer for the defendants said, “The court reviewed all submissions and found no legal basis for interim reliefs at this stage. The claimants must follow due process.”
The claimants wanted the court to appoint Otutochi Wigwe, Uche Wigwe, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, and two professional firms Zedra Trust Company (Isle of Man) and PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited as interim administrators. They also sought joint guardianship of Wigwe’s minor children, with Pastor Shyngle Wigwe overseeing their welfare. In addition, they demanded full disclosure of the deceased’s financial assets from Access Bank and other institutions.
However, Justice Adeyemi ruled that the requested reliefs were too similar to those in the main suit, making them unsustainable. A spokesperson for Pastor Shyngle Wigwe responded, “This is about ensuring the late Wigwe’s children and family are well cared for. We believe the appeal court will provide a fairer hearing.”
On February 13, 2025, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe and his legal team filed an appeal. They argued that the court failed to differentiate between interim reliefs, meant to preserve the estate, and final reliefs that distribute assets. Citing Section 24 of the Administration of Estate Law of Lagos State, 2015, they insisted courts can appoint interim administrators when necessary.
Additionally, they challenged a prior ex parte guardianship order, saying it excluded the children’s grandparents without notice.
“As grandparents, our role is crucial. We seek inclusion, not to override existing orders,” Pastor Shyngle Wigwe stated.
The appeal also questioned the court’s refusal to grant a Norwich Pharmacal order, which would have forced financial institutions to disclose Herbert Wigwe’s full financial holdings.
A close associate of the late banker remarked, “It is surprising this issue has become so contentious. Herbert planned meticulously, so one would expect a clear estate structure.”
This legal fight comes nearly a year after Herbert Wigwe’s tragic death in a helicopter crash on February 9, 2024, near Nipton, California. The crash killed six people, including his wife, Doreen Chizoba Wigwe, their 29-year-old son, Chizi Wigwe, former Nigerian Exchange Group Plc Chairman, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and two crew members.
As the case moves to the appellate court, the family’s dispute continues to attract public attention. Some sympathize with the heirs, while others stress the need for transparency. Regardless of the verdict, this case highlights the complexities of inheritance disputes among Nigeria’s elite and the importance of clear estate planning to avoid prolonged legal battles.
