This is a family feud extraordinary! Since the tragic death of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, late Group Managing Director of Access Holdings, a contentious legal battle, is emerging over the execution of his will.
The influential banker and businessman passed away alongside his wife, his first son and a friend in a helicopter crash in the United States on February 9 leaving behind a complex family dynamic now coming to light.
Checks reveal that Herbert Wigwe’s parents have filed a caveat at the Probate Registry, Ikeja, Lagos State seeking to challenge the distribution of his estate as outlined in his will. The caveat was alleged to been filed under the direction of Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, Herbert’s 90-year-old father, and supported by an affidavit from Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, said to be Herbert’s cousin. This legal manoeuvre aims to alter the directives set forth by the deceased regarding the administration of his estate.
Pastor Wigwe has requested that 20% of Herbert’s estate be allocated to him and other family members, a move that contradicts Herbert’s will, which stipulates that his wealth be distributed solely among his four children. The will was lodged at the Ikeja Probate Court prior to Herbert’s tragic passing.
Since the death of Dr. Wigwe, observers note an apparent shift from mourning to entitlement among certain family members, raising questions about their motives during this period of grief.
Reports also highlight troubling incidents within the family, including a three-month detention of Emeka Wigwe – one of Herbert’s brothers, at Lagos Police Criminal Investigation Department ar Panti, Yaba by their father – Pa Wigwe, following a dispute with another sibling. This incident reportedly stemmed from a heated argument over family matters.
It is believed that the action by the patriarch of the Wigwe dynasty maybe as a result of the fact that he or his wife is the only people legally entitled to challenge the course of the will. Seeing that neither of the parents was included as beneficiaries. At 90, they are entitled to a share of their son’s will some analysts told EveryDayLagos.
It is said they suggested that the older Wigwe may be filing the application for the benefit of other family members, since as in individual he is capable of taking care of himself. Pa Wigwe is a retiree Director General of the Nigeria Television Authority among other places he worked.
As friends and associates continue to mourn Dr. Wigwe’s passing, the unfolding family tensions have sparked public interest and concern. The situation reflects deeper issues within the Wigwe family that were previously concealed by Herbert’s public success and stature in the banking industry.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how this dispute will impact the legacy of Dr. Herbert Wigwe and his surviving children. /With additional reports from Daily Independent
