Herbert Wigwe, a distinguished Nigerian banker and former CEO of Access Bank Plc, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash near Nipton, California, on February 9, 2024. The accident also claimed the lives of his wife, Doreen Chizoba Wigwe, and their eldest son, Chizi Wigwe. The couple is survived by four children, including their eldest daughter, Otutochi Wigwe.
In the wake of his passing, disputes have arisen over the administration of his estate. Prior to his death, Wigwe had prepared a will and set up a revocable trust to manage his assets, appointing his wife, Doreen, and his cousin, Uche Wigwe, as trustees and personal representatives. However, with Doreen’s passing, Uche assumed primary responsibility.
Controversy soon followed when Wigwe’s father, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, and his cousin, Christian Wigwe, contested the handling of the estate. They filed a caveat at the Lagos State High Court Probate Registry, raising concerns about the involvement of Herbert’s business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, in overseeing the estate and the guardianship of the surviving children. Christian alleged that Aig-Imoukhuede was exerting undue influence over the estate through Otutochi and Uche, potentially sidelining Pastor Shyngle, the family patriarch.
In response, Aig-Imoukhuede has continued to provide financial support to Wigwe’s parents and children. However, concerns have been raised over the lack of formal communication regarding the estate’s financial status. This situation has reportedly led to tension within the family, with some members aligning with Aig-Imoukhuede in an effort to secure his backing.
Legal experts have weighed in, emphasizing that under the Wills Law of Lagos State, the primary beneficiaries of Wigwe’s estate are his surviving children. According to the law, the deceased’s spouse(s) and children are entitled to inherit the estate, while parents and siblings are not direct beneficiaries. As a result, the efforts by Wigwe’s father and cousin to influence the estate’s administration may not align with legal provisions.
At present, legal proceedings are ongoing, with the estate’s management and the family’s internal disputes remaining matters of public interest.
