That is why, as you read this, there is a big battle currently going on right now between the Wigwe Family and some of those administering the affairs of Herbert’s investments.
This is the pathetic story of what Herbert Wigwe’s family is going through right now. It is also the story of the agony of Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, the 90 year old father of late Access Bank CEO/MD, Herbert Wigwe, who died in a plane crash with his wife & son.
In his lifetime, Papa Shyngle was so into his son. He was so proud of him. And Herbert also liked his dad.
But since Herbert died last February, Papa Wigwe has been so unhappy with the turn of events. He is not only unhappy about the tragic death of his son and his wife and son, he is so unhappy that many of those who were his son’s close friends have kept their distance. …CONTINUE READING
That is why, as you read this, there is a big battle currently going on right now between the Wigwe Family and some of those administering the affairs of Herbert’s investments. It is over the decision of some of Herbert’s close associates to want to go ahead and read the WILL of Herbert Wigwe, without the express permission of his 90 year old dad, who is not being carried along in how his sons investments are being managed.
City People gathered that since Herbert died last February, Herbert’s dad has been shut out completely of the picture.
There are a lot of things that have happened to some of his son’s investments here and there, which he is not happy about. He is also sorely unhappy about the outside influence and control over late Herbert Wigwe’s young children, who by right he should be the one taking take care of them.
As this was going on, news broke recently that the WILL of Herbert Wigwe was being processed to be read in Lagos, as it has been filed in both the US and Lagos Probate Registry.
The Wigwe family members are not happy that all that have been happening concerning Herbert’s investments have been without the knowledge of Papa Shyngle Wigwe.
To forestall any move with regards to the WILL, an Affidavit in support of Caveat was filed a few days back at the Probate Registry in Ikeja, Lagos.
One Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, a family member, who lives in Abuja made an Oath.
He said he is a Cousin to Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe (hereinafter referred to as “the deceased”), who passed away on 9lh of February 2024 along with his wife, Doreen Chizoba Wigwe, and son, Chizi Wigwe in an aircraft crash.
He said the deceased owned multiple real and personal assets both in Nigeria and abroad and left behind 4 children.
He said he is familiar with the circumstances surrounding the deceased’s Will and the appointmenr of Guardianship (ad litem) for his minor children.
He said the deceased’s Will dated the 9th of July, 2013 was lodged at the Probate Registry; and the purported Will was executed in the United States of America (“USA’), and concerns have been raised regarding its applicability to the assets and matters within Nigeria’s jurisdiction.
He said he does not know who lodged the Will at the Probate Registry of the Lagos State High Court, given that the Will was drawn up in 2013 in the USA and the deceased was accustomed to keeping his affairs separate and segregated in different countries.
He said he believes that the Will was lodged at the Probate Registry of the Lagos Stare High Court after the death of the deceased to give the impression that the deceased intended its applicability to extend to his assets in Nigeria.
He said the purported Will’seems to apply primarily to the assets of the deceased located in the US. Its language and provisions suggest a focus on matters within the USA.
He said the Will does not clearly state that it extends beyond the USA to cover assets or matters within Nigeria. This raises concerns about whether the deceased’s assets in Nigeria are addressed or governed by the Will at all.
He said The Will does not mention any beneficiaries, neither docs it make provision for the Guardianship of the deceased’s minor children under Nigerian or American law.
The minor children have since been brought up in Nigeria in accordance with Nigerian Values and Custom.
He said since the death of Herbert and Chizoba Wigwe (parents of the minors), it is not clear who has acted as legal guardian for the minor children, other than the fact that they live in Ikoyi, Lagos, which is where their parents lived. The family had moved into the residence just three months prior to their parent’s death.
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.
He said Pastor Shyngle Wigwe (grandfather) should ordinarily playa role in determining the welfare of his grandchildren. Given his fatherly role. his involvement in their upbringing would be both natural and beneficial.
He said Pastor Shyngle Wigwc has suffered an unimaginable loss with the passing of his son. Herbert Wigwe, his daughter-in-law. Doren Chizoba Wigwe, and his grandson. Chizi Wigwe. (his children) all in one day, This traumatic event has deeply affected him and lu family,
He said in light of this, appointing or enabling Pastor Shyngle Wigwe to act as the legal guardian of his grandchildren could not only provide stability for the children but also serve as a significant part of rhe healing process for him. His role as guardian would help him cope wirh this profound loss while ensuring the welfare of his grandchildren is well cared for.
Besides rhe traumatic circumstance under which Pastor Shyngle Wigwe lost his children, he is well-qualified and accomplished to perform the role of a legal guardian in that: (a) He is a trained Electrical Engineer by profession. (b) He retired as an accomplished Civil servant after rising to the height of his career as the Director-General of NTA (c) He is a devoted Christian; (d) He is the head of the Wigwe family; (c) He is a certified Mediator.
He said notwithstanding these credentials that equip Pastor Shyngle Wigwe to act in the capacity of guardian or to be considered as to whom should act in that capacity, he has not been allowed to assume direct guardianship and custody of the deceased’s children.
He alleged that in assuming this indirect role of guardianship, one of Herbert’s friends created a situation that makes it difficult for Pastor Shyngle Wigwe to act as Guardian for the children. particularly the minor children.
He said Papa has also not been given relevant information regarding the deceased’s Estate disenabling any member of the family from making informed decision regarding the deceased’s children who are his grandchildren.
He said ne was informed by Pastor Shyngle Wigwe on the 6th day of October 2024, at approximately 8pm, at his residence located at 7, Epsom Street, Northern Foreshore Estate, Off Chevron Drive, Eti- Osa LGA, Lagos State, about the circumstances under which he has been excluded from the affairs of the deceased’s minus children and blocked him from accessing any information regarding the management of the assets of the deceased.
-City People
