A Lagos High Court has ruled against the parents of the late Nigerian banking mogul, Herbert Wigwe, dismissing their bid to alter the management structure of his multi-billion-naira estate.
The court’s decision upholds the existing estate administration, placing Otutochi Wigwe (his first daughter), Uche Wigwe (his brother), and longtime business associate Aigboje Imoukhuede in charge.
Legal Battle Over Estate Control
The lawsuit, filed under case number ID/7735FPM/2024, saw Christian Wigwe and Pastor Shyngle Wigwe (Herbert Wigwe’s parents) contesting the control of their late son’s estate. They sought to appoint five interim administrators, including:
- Otutochi Wigwe (first daughter)
- Uche Wigwe (brother)
- Shyngle Wigwe (father)
- Zedra Trust Company (Isle of Man)
- PricewaterhouseCoopers Limited
The petition also included a request for joint guardianship of Herbert Wigwe’s minor children and access to his financial records held by Access Bank, Coronation Merchant Bank, and United Securities.
Court Dismisses Claims, Upholds Estate Structure
Delivering judgment on February 6, 2025, Justice A.O. Adeyemi of the Lagos High Court Family/Probate Division ruled that the claimants failed to establish grounds for appointing interim administrators.
- The judge cited the Administration of Estate Law of Lagos State, 2015, stating that interim administrators are only appointed when a will’s validity is disputed, which was not the case here.
- The court also reaffirmed an earlier ruling that had designated Otutochi Wigwe and Uche Wigwe as legal guardians of Herbert Wigwe’s minor children.
- Justice Adeyemi noted that the accelerated hearing schedule granted in the main trial would ensure that issues surrounding the children’s welfare are resolved swiftly.
What’s Next?
With the dismissal of the parents’ application, the existing estate management structure remains intact. However, the main trial is still pending, and its outcome will ultimately determine the final administration of the late billionaire banker’s wealth.
For now, Otutochi Wigwe, Uche Wigwe, and Aigboje Imoukhuede continue to oversee the estate, reinforcing their control over Herbert Wigwe’s vast financial empire.
