Florence Sadiku
PASTOR Shyngle Wigwe, father of the late Chief Group Managing Director and Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, has denied filing a caveat at Probate Registry of Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, over the late son’s assets, or asking for 20% of the son’s estate.
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that news media was awash a few days ago with reports of the deceased parents filing a caveat at the Probate Registry, seeking to challenge the distribution of his estate as outlined in his Will.
The caveat was reportedly filed under the direction of Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, Herbert’s father, and supported by an affidavit from Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, who claims to be Herbert’s cousin. This legal manoeuvre aims to alter the directives set forth by the deceased regarding the administration of his estate.
According to the report, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe requested that 20% of his son’s estate be allocated to him and other family members, a move that contradicts the late banker’s Will, which stipulates that his wealth be distributed solely among his children. The will was lodged at the Ikeja Probate Court prior to Herbert’s untimely
But in a rebuttal endorsed by Emeka Wigwe on behalf of the family of Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, the older Wigwe says at no point did Pastor Shyngle Wigwe request 20% of the estate of the late Herbert Wigwe. Neither has there been any such request by other family members. “The article’s claim that this demand contradicts Herbert’s Will is entirely false and misleading. The facts regarding the estate are already publicly available in the Probate Registry, where an affidavit clearly outlines the correct details. A simple search by your reporters would have revealed this truth.”
The full statement is hereunder reproduced.
Herbert Wigwe’s Father Denies Fighting Over Son’s Assets
We, the family of Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, wish to address a recent article titled “Family Dispute Erupts Over Estate of Late Banking Executive Herbert Wigwe” published on October 13, 2024.
This article has, unfortunately, spread widely across social and national media. While we recognize the role of the press in sharing news, such reports must be based on truth and accuracy.
To clarify, at no point has Pastor Shyngle Wigwe requested 20% of the estate of the late Herbert Wigwe. Neither has there been any such request by other family members. The article’s claim that this demand contradicts Herbert’s Will is entirely false and misleading. The facts regarding the estate are already publicly available in the Probate Registry, where an affidavit clearly outlines the correct details. A simple search by your reporters would have revealed this truth.
During this painful time of grief, our family remains united, focusing on healing and growing stronger together. We have no intention of engaging in a public defence because there are no sides to take. The only truth is that we are navigating this immense loss and will continue to do so with dignity.
Herbert Wigwe’s legacy as a visionary banker and entrepreneur is what should be remembered. He transformed Access Bank into a national leader and devoted himself to empowering others through initiatives like The HOW Foundation, which focused on education and healthcare. These are the values that define his life and should be the focus, rather than unfounded speculation.
We respectfully urge your publication to correct the inaccuracies in the report and to exercise greater diligence in fact-checking future stories.
Sincerely,
Emeka Wigwe for the
The Family of Pastor Shyngle Wigwe.
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that since the death of Dr Wigwe in February, social media has become a battleground for conflicting narratives about family dynamics. Observers note an apparent shift from mourning to entitlement among certain family members, raising questions about their motivations during this period of grief.
Reports also highlight troubling incidents within the family, including a three-month detention of Emeka Wigwe, one of Herbert’s brothers, at Panti Police Station by their father – Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, following a dispute with another sibling. This incident reportedly stemmed from a heated argument over family matters.
Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son and business partner, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, died on 9th February 2024 in a helicopter crash in the United States.
Eighteen-Eleven Media