By Abiola Olawale
The legal dispute over the estate of Herbert Wigwe, the late former Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank, has advanced to the Court of Appeal.
This development follows a ruling by the Lagos State High Court on February 6, 2025, where Justice A.O. Adeyemi dismissed an application for interim reliefs filed by Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, Herbert’s father, and Christian Wigwe, his cousin.
The claimants had sought the appointment of interim administrators to manage the estate and joint guardianship arrangements for Herbert’s minor children, pending the resolution of the substantive suit.
The High Court rejected these requests, deeming them too closely tied to the main case to be decided at an interlocutory stage and citing an existing guardianship order that it could not revisit without an appeal.
Dissatisfied with this decision, the claimants filed a notice of appeal on February 13, 2025, escalating the matter to the Court of Appeal.
They argued that the High Court erred by not distinguishing between interim reliefs, which are intended to preserve the estate and support dependents, and the final reliefs concerning asset distribution.
They also challenged the denial of a Norwich Pharmacal order, which would have required financial institutions like Access Bank to disclose Herbert’s holdings, asserting that some assets remain unaccounted for amid ongoing probate delays.
Additionally, they contested the court’s reliance on a prior ex parte guardianship order, claiming it improperly excluded the children’s grandparents without notice.
The New Diplomat reports that a contentious conflict had risen within the family of Wigwe over the sharing of his wealth and assets.
Passing away in a helicopter crash in the United States on February 9, 2024, allegations of potential impropriety surrounding the administration of his will have since arose, sparking a tumultuous battle over the distribution and management of his extensive properties and assets.
Reports emerging suggested that the contentious issues revolve around the distribution of Wigwe’s substantial assets, including his shares in Access Holdings, properties in multiple countries, and various investments. Family members are also contesting the appointment of trustees and beneficiaries which the late Wigwe reportedly outlined in the will, further complicating the already fraught situation.
