By Abiola Olawale
In recent weeks, an unfolding legal landscape has revealed a series of indictments and scandals concerning the multimillion-dollar properties left behind by the late Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Dr Herbert Wigwe.
The latest development comes as Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, a close relative and cousin of the deceased, has reportedly submitted an Affidavit of Truth to the court.
According to reports, in the document, Christian articulated concerns regarding the alleged conduct of the Group Non-Executive Chairman of Access Holdings Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.
The affidavit was said to have accused Aig-Imoukhuede of allegedly assuming indirect guardianship and oversight of the substantial assets left by late Wigwe.
According to the purported affidavit filed at the Lagos High Court Probate Registry, Christian alleged that Aig-Imoukhuede, who was a business partner to the deceased, is taking on a role that should rightfully belong to Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, the grandfather of the deceased’s children.
Christian is said to be arguing that Shyngle should be the one to determine the welfare of his grandchildren David, Hannah and Great.
The purported affidavit reads in part: “In accordance with African values and good order, it will naturally be the father of the deceased, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, who will act as guardian to the minor children or at the very least, he will be consulted to ascertain who should act as guardian.
“Pastor Shyngle Wigwe (grandfather) should ordinarily play a role in determining the welfare of his grandchildren. Given his fatherly role, his involvement in their upbringing would be both natural and beneficial.
“Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede is currently controlling the assets of the late Herbert Wige. While Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, otherwise natural guardian of Herbert’s minor children, would usually not be bothered by this, the way Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede is handling the assets is grossly undermining Pastor Shyngle Wigwe’s role as guardian and the head of the Wigwe family.
“Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede’s access to Herbert’s funds gives him a certain level of influence over decisions that affect the deceased’s children. Although he is not their legal guardian, his control over the estate puts him in a position where he indirectly acts as one. This situation has made Pastor Shyngle Wigwe uneasy.”
He said Aig-Imoukhuede’s alleged actions had raised concerns for Shyngle, who doubts that if this continues, the grandfather’s legal and natural role as guardian will be further eroded.
It would be recalled that Aig-Imoukhuede, who served as the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings between 2002 and 2013, and the late Wigwe were business allies and friends from childhood and co-founders of Access Bank.
They both left GTBank as Executive Directors to kick start Access Bank in early 2000. Herbert succeeded Aigboje after he finished his term as the Group CEO following a CBN Directive in 2010 that forced Bank CEOs who had spent more than 10 years in office to step down.
Over the past few days, several controversies have emerged regarding the distribution of the assets of the late Wigwe.
It would be recalled that reports emerged suggesting that the alleged contentious issues revolve around the distribution of the late Wigwe’s substantial assets, including his shares in Access Holdings, properties in multiple countries, and various investments.
Family members were accused of contesting the appointment of trustees and beneficiaries which the late Wigwe reportedly outlined in the will, further complicating the already fraught situation.
According to the reports, Wigwe’s parents have reportedly filed a caveat at the Probate Registry.
However, in a statement signed by Emeka Wigwe, the family has expressed deep concern about the pervasive spread of misinformation across social and national media platforms.
In the statement, Emeka denied the existence of any dispute regarding late Wigwe’s assets.
It would be recalled that Herbet Wigwe died along with his wife, Chizoba, their son, Chizi, a former Chairman of Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the pilot and co-pilot, in a Di Airbus Helicopter EC 130B4 with registration number N130CZ, near Halloran Springs, California, on February 9.
He was buried in his Omueke hometown in Isiokpo, Rivers State, alongside his wife and son, Chizoba and Chizi, on Saturday, March 9, 2024.
