A cousin of the late Herbert Wigwe, former Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank, Christian Chukwuka Wigwe has filed an affidavit at the Lagos High Court Probate Registry, accusing Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede of overstepping his bounds.
Christian accused Aig-Imoukhuede of assuming control of the deceased’s assets and children.
Aig-Imoukhuede, a former business partner and close friend of the late Herbert Wigwe, is alleged to have taken informal guardianship over the Wigwe children, a role that, according to Christian, rightfully belongs to their grandfather, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe.
The affidavit, dated October 7, 2024, highlights concerns that Aig-Imoukhuede’s management of Herbert’s assets and influence over the welfare of the children—David, Hannah, and Great—has sidelined Pastor Shyngle.
According to Western Post, Christian asserts that, in keeping with African traditions and family structure, the responsibility of guardianship should fall naturally to the children’s grandfather, who is best positioned to make decisions regarding their upbringing.
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.”
The affidavit outlines that Aig-Imoukhuede’s current control over Herbert’s estate, including financial decisions, has restricted Pastor Shyngle’s ability to perform his duties as the head of the Wigwe family.
Christian raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the use of Herbert Wigwe’s wealth, noting that Aig-Imoukhuede has not provided clear updates on how the deceased’s funds are being allocated, 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.
Despite acknowledging Aig-Imoukhuede’s contributions, such as providing financial support to Herbert’s parents and covering the children’s expenses, Christian claims 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.
Naija News reports that Herbert Wigwe, who passed away earlier this year, played a significant role in expanding Access Bank’s reach across Africa through key acquisitions during his tenure as Group CEO.