The legal battle over the estate of the late former Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO) Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, has has moved to the Court of Appeal, following the Lagos State High Court’s dismissal of an application for interim reliefs.
Herbert Wigwe’s 90-year-old father, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, is in Court over his grandchildren’s guardianship and management of properties belonging to the late Access Bank CEO.
Pastor Shyngle Wigwe’s application to appoint interim administrators/guardians in Herbert Wigwe’s estate was dismissed by Justice A.O.Adeyemi of the Lagos State High Court Family/Probate Court in Ikeja on February 6, 2025.
Pastor Wigwe sought an order to be appointed as interim administrator of Wigwe’s estate alongside Otutochi Wigwe (Herbert Wigwe’s daughter) Uche Wigwe (Herbert Wigwe’s brother) and two professionals – Zee’s Trust Company and Princewater Coopers Limited.
He also sought an order to place Wigwe’s minor children under joint guardianship, which will allow him oversee their welfare.
Justice Adeyemi ruled against his submission, saying he was not entitled to the reliefs sought.
The Court also found that the claims raised by the applicants (Shyngle Wigwe and co) were essentially the same as those raised in a substantive suit.
Additionally, the Court referenced an existing judgement which had already appointed Otutochi (Herbert’s daughter) as the legal guardian of the deceased’s minor children.
After Pastor Shyngle Wigwe’s application was dismissed by the Lagos State High Court on Friday February 6, 2025, a notice of appeal was reportedly filed and dated on February 13, 2025.
The appellants (Pastor Shyngle Wigwe and co) argue that the Court failed to distinguish between interim reliefs – meant to preserve the estate and provide for dependants – and final reliefs determining the distribution of assets.
They cited Section 24 of the administration of Estate Law of Lagos State, 2015, which empowers such courts to appoint interim administrators.
-9News Nigeria.
