Family Feud: The Wigwes’ Billion-Naira Inheritance Battle Sparks Public Debate
Just months after the tragic passing of former Group Managing Director of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, his family has become embroiled in a bitter dispute over his multi-billion naira estate. What started as a somber period of mourning for the prominent banker, who died alongside his wife, Doreen, and son, Chizi, in a helicopter crash, has now turned into a high-stakes legal battle that threatens to expose deep divisions within the Wigwe family.
Herbert’s will, filed before his untimely death, clearly outlines that his wealth should be distributed solely among his surviving children. However, this directive has been met with fierce resistance. Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, Herbert’s father, and other family members have filed a caveat at the Probate Registry in an effort to challenge the terms of the will. Pastor Shyngle has reportedly requested 20% of the estate for himself and other relatives, a claim that contradicts Herbert’s expressed wishes.
The brewing legal battle has not only caught the attention of close associates but also sparked widespread public interest, especially as reports of family infighting begin to surface. Recently, it was revealed that Herbert’s brother, Emeka Wigwe, was arrested following a family dispute, allegedly orchestrated by their father. The argument, centered on the inheritance, has shed light on the growing tensions that are boiling over in the wake of Herbert’s death.
As the case prepares to unfold in court, there are calls for peace and reconciliation. APC chieftain and lawyer, Jesutega Onokpasa, has urged the Wigwe family to set aside their differences and come to an amicable compromise. In a heartfelt piece, Onokpasa expressed his dismay over the family’s discord, emphasizing that “nothing is more disgusting than people fighting over the property of a deceased person.” He called for a return to Niger Delta traditions of unity and respect, urging Herbert’s children to honor their grandparents.
The unfolding drama has sparked a wider conversation about the responsibilities of legacy, family unity, and the challenges that often accompany the distribution of wealth after a loved one’s passing. As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes will remain on the Wigwe family, with many wondering how this conflict will affect Herbert’s legacy—and whether peace can be restored in the house he built.
Will the Wigwes find common ground, or will the family’s battle over inheritance leave a deeper wound on Herbert’s legacy? The story of one of Nigeria’s most successful bankers has taken a turn no one expected, and only time will tell how it ends.
