Herbert Wigwe's Estate: Lagos Court Makes Landmark Ruling

The Lagos State High Court has ruled in favor of Miss Otutochi Channel Wigwe, the 26-year-old daughter of the late Herbert Wigwe, former Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Holdings.

The court’s decision, delivered by Justice A.O. Adeyemi on February 6, 2025, also favored Uche Wigwe and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede in the ongoing legal dispute over the late banker’s estate.

The case arose following the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe, his wife Chizoba, their son Chizzy, and close friend Abimbola Ogunbanjo in a helicopter crash on February 9, 2024, near the Nevada-California border while en route to Las Vegas.

Shortly after his passing, disputes emerged over the administration of his estate, leading to a legal battle involving family members and business associates.

The ruling dismissed an application filed by Christian Wigwe and Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, who sought to appoint interim administrators for the estate. The court held that their claims were unsustainable, thereby rejecting their request.

The suit, ID/7735FPM/2024, was filed by Emeka Wigwe against Access Bank Plc, Coronation Merchant Bank Ltd, and United Securities Ltd. It also named Uche Wigwe, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, and Miss Otutochi Channel Wigwe as defendants.

According to ThisDay, the claimants had sought the appointment of:

Otutochi Wigwe, Uche Wigwe, Shyngle Wigwe, and two professionals—Zedra Trust Company (Isle of Man) and PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited—as interim administrators pending a final court decision.

Joint guardianship of Herbert Wigwe’s minor children (Chituru David Wigwe, Wegu & Hannah Wigwe, and Okachi Great Wigwe) under Otutochi Wigwe, Uche Wigwe, Emeka Wigwe, Shyngle Wigwe, and the two professionals, with Shyngle Wigwe overseeing their welfare.

Authorization for interim administrators to manage the family’s financial and property interests, liaise with third parties, and ensure the maintenance and welfare of Wigwe’s dependents.

However, the court dismissed all their prayers, reinforcing the standing of Otutochi Wigwe, Uche Wigwe, and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede in the estate's administration.