Justice A.O. Adeyemi of the Lagos State High Court, Family/Probate Division, Ikeja, has dismissed an application seeking the appointment of interim administrators for the estate of the late former Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The application, filed by Christian Wigwe and Pastor Shyngle Wigwe—allegedly at the behest of Emeka Wigwe—sought to appoint a group, including family members and professionals, to manage the estate pending a final resolution of the substantive suit. However, in a ruling delivered on February 6, 2025, the court found their claims unsustainable.
Legal Battle Over Herbert Wigwe’s Estate
The claimants had filed suit number ID/7735FPM/2024 against Access Bank Plc, Coronation Merchant Bank Ltd, and United Securities Ltd. Other defendants named under an earlier court order dated November 18, 2024, included Uche Wigwe, Aigboje A.I.G. Imoukhuede, and Miss Otutochi Channel Wigwe.
They sought a court order to appoint Otutochi Wigwe, Uche Wigwe, Shyngle Wigwe, and two professionals—Zedra Trust Company (Isle of Man), a subsidiary of Zedra Corporate Solutions UK Limited, and Pricewaterhouse Coopers Limited—as interim administrators of the estate. Additionally, they requested the joint guardianship of Herbert Wigwe’s minor children—Chituru David Wigwe, Wegu & Hannah Wigwe, and Okachi Great Wigwe—with Shyngle Wigwe overseeing their welfare.
The claimants also sought authorization for the proposed administrators to:
• Manage the dependents’ welfare and maintenance.
• Engage with third parties on financial or property matters.
• Submit monthly financial reports to the court.
• Obtain full disclosure from financial institutions regarding Herbert Wigwe’s assets.
Court Rejects Request, Citing Legal Precedent
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Adeyemi ruled that the applicants had no legal entitlement to the reliefs sought.
The court referenced Section 24(1) of the Administration of Estate Law, Lagos State, 2015, affirming its authority to appoint an administrator pendente lite in cases involving will validity disputes or similar concerns. However, it noted that the issues raised by the applicants were already part of the substantive case.
Additionally, the court referenced an existing judgment from a competent court, which had already appointed the third defendant as the legal guardian of the deceased’s minor children. Since no appeal was pending against that ruling, the court refused to revisit the matter at the interlocutory stage.
Accelerated Hearing Ordered
The judge dismissed arguments that a prolonged trial justified the appointment of interim administrators. Instead, the court assured an accelerated hearing had already been granted to ensure the timely resolution of the case, particularly regarding the welfare of the minor children.
Justice Adeyemi concluded:
“The issue raised above is therefore resolved against the applicants. Consequently, the application dated 28th November 2024, being unsustainable, is accordingly dismissed.”
This ruling marks a significant development in the legal battle over Herbert Wigwe’s estate, reinforcing the court’s stance against premature interventions in the estate’s administration.
