Late Access Bank CEO’s father sues granddaughter over assets

A year after the heartbreaking death of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, the former Group CEO of Access Holdings Plc, his 90-year-old father, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, has reportedly taken legal action against his eldest daughter, Tochi Wigwe, regarding his inheritance.

Last October, reports emerged that Pastor Shyngle Wigwe’s family was reportedly trying to influence the distribution of the late banker’s estate. They were accused of attempting to disinherit Herbert Wigwe’s children by allegedly altering his will. However, these allegations were firmly denied by the family.

Soon after, a caveat challenging Herbert Wigwe’s will appeared online, filed by Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, claiming to be the deceased’s cousin, on behalf of Pastor Shyngle Wigwe. The caveat, which was lodged at the Probate Registry, contested the distribution of the late banker’s estate as stated in his will. This prompted the family, particularly Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, to retract their initial denial, later stating, “We have withdrawn the suit. Our concern was the welfare of the children.”

However, recent media reports reveal that the family’s claims of withdrawing the lawsuit were false. In fact, the case continued, involving 26-year-old Otutochi Channel Wigwe, the late Herbert Wigwe’s daughter, along with Uche Wigwe and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.

In a recent court ruling, the judge dismissed the claims made by Pastor Shyngle Wigwe and Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, stating they were “not entitled to seek the reliefs” they had presented.

Tragically, Herbert Wigwe was among six people who died on February 9, 2024, when the Eurocopter EC130 they were in crashed near Nipton, California. The incident also claimed the lives of his wife, Doreen Chizoba Wigwe, their 29-year-old son, Chizi Wigwe, former Nigerian Exchange Group Plc Chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and two crew members.