Late Herbert Wigwe’s family drag Access CEO, Aig-Imoukhuede to court

Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, a cousin of the late former Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, has filed an affidavit at the Lagos High Court Probate Registry, accusing former business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede of overstepping his bounds by assuming control of the deceased’s assets and children.

Aig-Imoukhuede, according to Christian, has allegedly taken informal guardianship over the Wigwe children, a role that, rightfully belongs to their grandfather, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe.

In the affidavit, dated October 7, 2024, Christian expressed concerns over Aig-Imoukhuede’s management of Herbert’s assets and influence over the welfare of the children—David, Hannah, and Great.

According to Western Post, Christian asserts that, the responsibility of guardianship should fall naturally to the children’s grandfather, who is best positioned to make decisions regarding their upbringing, he affirmed this citing African traditions and family structure.

Christian stated in the court filing, “In line with African values, it is customary that the father of the deceased, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, should be consulted to decide the welfare of his grandchildren. His natural role as their grandfather must not be bypassed.”

Christian also outlines that the late CEO business partner’s current control over Herbert’s estate, including financial decisions, which according to him has hampered late Herbert father,’s ability to perform his duties as the head of the Wigwe family.

The affidavit also noted that Aig-Imoukhuede has not provided clear updates on how the deceased’s funds are being allocated, hightlighting a lack of transparency regarding the use of Herbert Wigwe’s wealth, particularly for the welfare of the children and Herbert’s dependent parents.

“Aig-Imoukhuede’s control over Herbert’s estate has created a power dynamic that has alienated key family members, including Pastor Shyngle, who would otherwise play a pivotal role in the children’s lives,” Christian emphasized.

Christian, who acknowledged Aig-Imoukhuede’s contributions, such as providing financial support to Herbert’s parents and covering the children’s expenses, claimed that the absence of a formal accounting has led to growing concerns within the family about the overall management of the estate.

The tension between family members has further escalated, with some aligning themselves with Aig-Imoukhuede in hopes of benefiting from his control over the estate. Christian warns that this imbalance of influence could potentially create deep-seated divisions within the Wigwe family.

This dispute follows previous reports of Herbert Wigwe’s parents filing a caveat at the Probate Registry, challenging the directives outlined in their late son’s will.

Although Pastor Shyngle has denied contesting his son’s estate, the ongoing legal battle has placed a spotlight on the power struggle over Herbert Wigwe’s legacy.