The Lagos High Court’s Probate Registry has issued a summons to Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, calling on him to appear within eight days to address a legal dispute involving the estate of the late Herbert Wigwe, the former CEO of Access Bank.
Christian, claiming to be a cousin of the deceased, is challenging the provisions of Herbert Wigwe’s will and the distribution of his assets.
The court has directed him to present his case in person or through legal representation, as outlined in the summons issued in Probate Form 7.
The court’s directive requires Christian to declare his interest in the estate or provide reasons for opposing the probate process, which involves validating the will.
The case brings attention to a contentious matter over the allocation of Herbert Wigwe’s significant estate, given his prominent status in the banking industry.
According to the Probate Registry, Christian can still contest the probate proceedings even if he holds no direct claim to the assets, by filing a summons to seek further court directives.
“Be aware that failure to respond may result in the court proceeding to grant probate or administration of the estate, despite any caveat you have filed,” stated the registry, as reported by The Nation.
This legal case adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing controversies within the Wigwe family regarding control of the late banker’s assets.
Christian has previously filed an Affidavit of Truth, accusing Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Herbert’s former business partner, of taking indirect control of his assets and guardianship of his children.
In court documents dated October 7, 2024, Christian alleged that Aig-Imoukhuede assumed control of the estate without proper accountability, contrary to Herbert Wigwe’s expressed wishes in his will.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Herbert Wigwe were long-time friends and co-founders of Access Bank.
Both men left their roles as Executive Directors at GTBank to acquire and grow Access Bank in the early 2000s. Herbert succeeded Aigboje as Group CEO in 2010, following a Central Bank of Nigeria policy requiring CEOs to step down after serving for 10 years.
Under Herbert’s leadership, Access Bank expanded significantly across Africa, acquiring Diamond Bank and several banks in Kenya and South Africa.
Reports from an online publication indicated that Herbert Wigwe’s parents had also filed a caveat at the Probate Registry, contesting the terms of his will.
The caveat was reportedly lodged under the guidance of Pastor Shyngle, with Christian Chukwuka Wigwe supporting the move through an affidavit.
However, Pastor Shyngle has denied any involvement in a dispute over his late son’s property. In a statement issued by Emeka Wigwe on behalf of the family, the claims were refuted, with the family asserting that they had never sought a percentage of Herbert’s estate.
Source: The Guardian