Nigeria: Herbert Wigwe’s family fight over his multi-billion-dollar estate

|Published 12:50 PM ET, Sunday March 16, 2025|

Lagos: Following the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe, former Group CEO of Access Holdings Plc, in a helicopter crash in February 2024, a legal dispute has emerged within his family concerning the management of his multi-billion-dollar estate. The contention primarily involves his 90-year-old father, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, and cousin, Christian Wigwe, who have challenged the provisions of Herbert’s will.​

Herbert’s meticulously drafted will and revocable trust, executed under U.S. law but probated in Nigeria, appointed his cousin Uche Wigwe and business partner Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede as trustees and personal representatives.

Despite these clear designations, Pastor Shyngle and Christian filed a motion in the Lagos State High Court seeking interim control of the estate, alleging mismanagement and expressing concerns over the guardianship of Herbert’s minor children. ​

In February 2025, Justice Adeyemi J. dismissed their motion, emphasizing the validity of Herbert’s will and the legal standing of the appointed trustees. The court highlighted that the claimants, not being beneficiaries, lacked the legal standing to intervene. Additionally, the court reaffirmed the appointment of Herbert’s adult daughter, Otutochi Wigwe, as the legal guardian of her three minor siblings, ensuring the estate’s preservation for the children’s benefit. ​

This case underscores the importance of clear and legally sound estate planning, especially in balancing traditional family expectations with statutory succession laws. It also highlights the role of the judiciary in upholding the intentions of the deceased, ensuring that the rights of minor beneficiaries are protected, and reinforcing the significance of respecting legally executed wills and trusts.

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