Late Access Bank CEO’s Father, 90-Year-Old Shyngle Wigwe Challenges Guardianship Arrangements Under Son’s Will

A complex legal battle over the guardianship and estate of the late Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, a prominent businessman, has surfaced at the Lagos State High Court’s Probate Registry. This follows the tragic death of Wigwe, his wife Doreen Chizoba Wigwe, and their son Chin Wigwe in a fatal aircraft crash on February 5th, 2024. The aftermath of this tragedy has left unresolved issues over the control of his extensive assets and the guardianship of his surviving children.

The dispute came to light when Christian Chukwuks Wigwe, a cousin of the deceased, filed an affidavit at the Probate Registry. In it, he detailed his concerns over the way Herbert Wigwe’s estate is being handled, particularly raising alarm over the involvement of Wigwe’s business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, who has assumed indirect control over both the deceased’s assets and the welfare of his minor children.

The Children and Guardianship Battle
Herbert Wigwe left behind four children, listed in the affidavit as:
1. Orunacht Channel Wigwe, 25 years old
2. Otituru David Wigwe, 16 years old
3. Viera Hannah Wigwe, 14 years old
4. Okachi Great Wigwe, 2 years old

The affidavit revealed concerns regarding the guardianship of the minors, particularly the younger three. Christian Wigwe emphasized that, under African cultural and family traditions, it would naturally be expected that Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, the 90-year-old father of the deceased and the children’s grandfather, would take on the role of guardian. Pastor Shyngle is described as an accomplished civil servant, a certified mediator, and the head of the Wigwe family, making him the most suitable candidate to oversee the children’s welfare.

However, according to Christian Wigwe, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede has positioned himself in a way that has effectively sidelined the grandfather. The affidavit alleges that Aig-Imoukhuede has assumed indirect guardianship by controlling the deceased’s assets, a move that has reportedly made it difficult for Pastor Shyngle to assume his natural role in the lives of his grandchildren.

In addition to guardianship issues, the affidavit also raises serious concerns about the Will of the late Herbert Wigwe. The Will, dated July 9th, 2013, was lodged at the Probate Registry of the Lagos State High Court after Herbert’s death. However, questions have been raised about its validity and whether it applies to assets in Nigeria, given that it was drawn up in the United States.

Christian Wigwe states in his affidavit that the Will seems to primarily address Herbert’s assets in the U.S. and does not clearly extend to his Nigerian holdings. Furthermore, the Will does not make provisions for the guardianship of the minor children under Nigerian or American law, leaving the question of their welfare unresolved.

Adding to the complexity, it is alleged that Aig-Imoukhuede has withheld key information about the management of Herbert’s estate from the family, including details of ongoing financial support for Herbert’s dependent parents and the children. This lack of transparency has left the family in the dark about the true status of the estate’s assets, and whether the ongoing expenses are impacting the estate’s overall value.

The affidavit goes on to suggest that Aig-Imoukhuede is exerting an undue level of influence over key family members, including the deceased’s eldest daughter, Otutochi Wigwe, and cousin, Uche Wigwe. According to Christian Wigwe, this influence has allowed Aig-Imoukhuede to control critical decisions about the estate and guardianship, without facing formal accountability.

Otutochi Wigwe, the 25-year-old eldest daughter, is reportedly hesitant to challenge Aig-Imoukhuede due to his long-standing relationship with her late father. This hesitation, combined with traditional African values, has contributed to a reluctance among the family to openly question his involvement in the estate’s management.

Uche Wigwe, another key family member, is now serving as the personal representative of Herbert’s estate, a role that Christian Wigwe claims was influenced by Aig-Imoukhuede. This has created a potential conflict of interest, as Uche is also positioned as the guardian of the minor children under the terms of the disputed Will. The affidavit contends that Uche’s dual role as both guardian and estate manager places him in a difficult position, and that this arrangement has been orchestrated to allow Aig-Imoukhuede continued control over the family’s assets.

In light of these concerns, the family is seeking legal recourse by filing a caveat to prevent the grant of letters of administration or probate on Herbert Wigwe’s estate. This caveat aims to halt any further actions on the estate until the family is fully consulted and involved in decision-making regarding the minors’ guardianship and the management of Herbert’s assets.

Christian Wigwe’s affidavit stresses that Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, despite his age and the profound emotional toll of losing his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, is still capable of providing guidance and leadership for the family. The affidavit suggests that Pastor Shyngle’s involvement as the legal guardian of the minor children would provide stability, not only for the children but also for the grieving grandfather, helping him to heal from the devastating loss.