The Lagos High Court’s Probate Registry has summoned Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, a cousin of the late Herbert Wigwe, to appear within eight days to address a legal dispute involving the estate of the late former Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank.
Top Society reports that Christian, in the affidavit dated October 7, 2024, accused Access Bank chairman and former business partner of late Herbert Wigwe, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, of overstepping his bounds and assuming control of the deceased’s assets and children.
Christian claimed that Aig-Imoukhhuede took informal guardianship over the Wigwe children, a role that rightfully belonged to their grandfather, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe.
He further expressed concerns over Aig-Imoukhuede’s management of Herbert’s assets and influence over the welfare of the children—David, Hannah, and Great, asserting that the responsibility of guardianship should fall naturally to the children’s grandfather, who is best positioned to make decisions regarding their upbringing.
In the summons issued in Probate Form 7, the court directed Christian to present his case in person or through legal representation.
The court’s directive also requires Christian to declare his interest in the estate or provide reasons for opposing the probate process, which involves validating the will.
Given his prominent status in the banking industry, the case brings attention to a contentious matter over the allocation of Herbert Wigwe’s significant estate.
According to the Probate Registry, Christian, by filing a summons, can still contest the probate proceedings, even if he holds no direct claim to the assets.
“Be aware that failure to respond may result in the court proceeding to grant probate or administration of the estate, despite any caveat you have filed,” stated the registry, as reported by The Nation.
This legal case adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing controversies within the Wigwe family regarding control of the late banker’s assets.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Herbert Wigwe were long-time friends and co-founders of Access Bank.
Both men left their roles as Executive Directors at GTBank to acquire and grow Access Bank in the early 2000s. Herbert succeeded Aigboje as Group CEO in 2010, following a Central Bank of Nigeria policy requiring CEOs to step down after serving for 10 years.
Under Herbert’s leadership, Access Bank expanded significantly across Africa, acquiring Diamond Bank and several banks in Kenya and South Africa.
Reports from an online publication indicated that Herbert Wigwe’s parents had also filed a caveat at the Probate Registry, contesting the terms of his will.
The caveat was reportedly lodged under the guidance of Pastor Shyngle, with Christian Chukwuka Wigwe supporting the move through an affidavit.
However, Pastor Shyngle has denied any involvement in a dispute over his late son’s property. In a statement issued by Emeka Wigwe on behalf of the family, the claims were refuted, with the family asserting that they had never sought a percentage of Herbert’s estate.
