Father of Late Access Bank CEO Challenges Court Ruling Over His Son’s Estate, Gives Reason

• An appeal has been filed against a ruling by the Lagos State High Court in the legal dispute over the estate of the late Herbert Wigwe
• The appellants, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe and Christian Wigwe, argued that the trial judge erred in refusing their request for interim relief to preserve the estate and ensure the welfare of the minor children
• They highlighted the potential dissipation of the estate and the need for interim administrators and co-guardianship for the children's well-being

Lagos, Nigeria – An appeal has been filed challenging a ruling by the Lagos State High Court in the ongoing legal dispute over the estate of the late former Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe.

The appellants, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe (the late banker’s father) and Christian Wigwe (his cousin), are contesting the decision made on February 6, 2025, by Justice Olayinka Adeyemi.

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Arguments and grounds for appeal

The appellants argued that the trial judge erred in refusing their request for interim relief pending the resolution of the substantive suit.

In a notice of appeal dated February 13, 2025, they pointed out 10 grounds for contesting the ruling. They contended that the trial judge wrongly held that the reliefs sought in the interlocutory application were identical or similar to those in the main suit.

According to the appellants, the interim reliefs were intended to preserve the estate and ensure the welfare of the late Wigwe’s minor children until the dispute over his will is settled, whereas the final relief sought was to grant administration for the distribution of the assets.

Concerns over estate preservation and guardianship

The appellants further claimed, "The refusal to grant preservative reliefs has left the estate vulnerable to potential dissipation before a final decision is made."

They argued that the trial court failed to appoint interim administrators, despite acknowledging the dispute over the validity of the will, thus violating Section 24(1) of the Administration of Estates Law of Lagos State, 1959.

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Additionally, they expressed concerns over the failure to appoint interim guardians for the deceased’s minor children, depriving the grandparents of the opportunity to temporarily participate in their care and welfare.

The appellants also noted that a previous decision by a magistrates’ court, which granted full guardianship of the minor children to their eldest sibling, Otutochi Wigwe, 25, was made without notice to the grandparents.

They clarified that their application was not to overturn the magistrates’ decision but to ensure the grandparents are included as co-guardians to support the children’s well-being.

Court gives verdict on late Herbert Wigwe's estate's crisis

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Lagos State High Court Family/Probate Court in Ikeja has dismissed the suit filed by Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, (Herbert Wigwe’s father) and Christian Wigwe (late Herbert Wigwe’s cousin) where they sought the appointment of interim administrators for the estate of the late Herbert Wigwe.

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Late Herbert Wigwe was the former Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, who died on February 9, 2024, in a plane crash in the United States.

Source: Legit.ng