Herbert Wigwe’s Estate Crisis Deepens As Court Issues Ultimatum To Cousin

The Lagos State High Court Probate Registry has issued an eight-day ultimatum to Christian Wigwe, demanding clarification of his claimed interest in the estate of his late cousin, Herbert Wigwe, former CEO and Group Managing Director of Access Bank.

Christian Wigwe, who represents the deceased’s father, Shyngle Wigwe, filed a caveat to contest the estate’s distribution as outlined in Herbert Wigwe’s will. This legal action aims to delay probate proceedings until the dispute is resolved.

A caveat is a formal notice registered with the probate office that seeks to block the probate process or the issuance of letters of administration for a deceased’s estate.

Christian’s caveat challenges the validity of the will, aiming to ensure the estate administration does not proceed without his notification.

In a document dated October 21, seen by Premium Times, the Lagos probate registry urged Christian to justify his involvement in the estate of Herbert Wigwe. Failure to provide clarification within eight days of service could lead to his exclusion from the probate proceedings.

The legal notice issued by the probate registry on behalf of Uchechukwu Wigwe, the appointed personal representative in Herbert Wigwe’s will dated July 9, 2013, states that if Christian fails to respond, the court may proceed with issuing probate or administrative rights for the estate, effectively barring any further contest from his side.

Recall that Christian alleged in an affidavit dated October 7 that Herbert Wigwe’s business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, has unduly assumed a role that belonged to Herbert’s father, Shyngle Wigwe, in handling the estate.

However, a statement from family member Emeka Wigwe dismissed these claims, asserting that the reports of a family dispute over Herbert’s estate are “entirely false and grossly misleading.”

Emeka further clarified that neither Shyngle Wigwe nor other family members are seeking any portion of Herbert’s estate, emphasizing that family unity remains a priority.