October 15, (THEWILL) – Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, father of the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, has dismissed reports suggesting that he’s fighting over the late banker’s assets.
The article stated that not only is Pastor Shyngle, who recently clocked 90, requesting 20% of his late son’s estate but he has also filed a caveat at the probate registry and an affidavit deposed to, by one Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, who claims to be a cousin to the deceased, all in a bid to prevent the rightful execution of Herbert’s will.
According to the said article, Herbert had drawn his will which states that his wealth be distributed amongst his children only.
The will was lodged at the Ikeja Probate Court before his unfortunate death early this year.
But in a statement signed by Emeka Wigwe, (who the article said was locked up by Pastor Shyngle for fighting his sister over their late brother’s estate) on behalf of the family of Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, the family noted that at no point did the senior Wigwe request 20% of the estate of his deceased son.
“We, the family of Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, wish to address a recent article titled ‘Family Dispute Erupts Over Estate of Late Banking Executive Herbert Wigwe’ published on a news platform (not THEWILL) on October 13, 2024”, the statement said.
“This article has unfortunately spread widely across social and national media. While we recognise the role of the press in sharing news, it is vital that such reports are based on truth and accuracy.
“To clarify, at no point has Pastor Shyngle Wigwe requested 20% of the estate of the late Herbert Wigwe. Neither has there been any such request by other family members.
“The article’s claim that this demand contradicts Herbert’s will is entirely false and misleading. The facts regarding the estate are already publicly available in the Probate Registry, where an affidavit clearly outlines the correct details. A simple search would have revealed this truth.
“During this painful time of grief, our family remains united, focusing on healing and growing stronger together. We have no intention of engaging in a public defence because there are no sides to take. The only truth is that we are navigating this immense loss and will continue to do so with dignity.
“Herbert Wigwe’s legacy as a visionary banker and entrepreneur is what should be remembered. He transformed Access Bank into a national leader and devoted himself to empowering others through initiatives like The HOW Foundation, which focused on education and healthcare. These are the values that define his life and should be the focus, rather than unfounded speculation.
“We respectfully urge ‘your’ publication to correct the inaccuracies in the report and to exercise greater diligence in fact-checking future stories.”
Wigwe died on February 9, 2024, in a helicopter crash in the United States of America alongside his wife, Chizoba, their son, Chizi and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, a former group chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group.
