The family of the late Herbert Wigwe, the former CEO of Access Bank, has expressed concerns over the sudden cessation of financial support previously provided to his parents by his close business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.
Herbert Wigwe, born on August 15, 1966, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, was widely recognized as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s banking sector. As the Group Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank, he played a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of the country’s largest financial institutions. Tragically, on February 9, 2024, Wigwe, his wife Doreen, and their 29-year-old son Chizi lost their lives in a helicopter crash near Nipton, California. They were traveling to attend Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, and the crash also claimed the lives of several others, including former Nigerian Exchange Group Plc Chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo and two crew members.
Following his passing, Aig-Imoukhuede continued the support that Herbert had provided to his parents. However, this monthly stipend was unexpectedly halted after the family filed a legal caveat regarding Herbert’s estate. According to Joyce Wigwe, Herbert’s elder sister, this change occurred after the legal action was taken.
“Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede had been graciously providing a stipend for my parents in the same way Herbert had, but after the legal caveat, we noticed that support stopped,” Joyce shared during an interview. When asked about the reason for the cessation, Aig-Imoukhuede explained that he believed the funds were being used to finance a lawsuit against him.
Joyce clarified that the family’s primary concern was that Herbert’s estate should have been sufficient to provide for his parents. “We appreciate Aigboje’s support, but we believe that Herbert’s estate has enough resources to care for our parents,” she said.
Additionally, Joyce revealed that the family had sought legal intervention to understand the full extent of Herbert’s assets, including his interests in Access Bank, Coronation, his life insurance, and other relevant entitlements. Their aim was to ensure that Herbert’s children, particularly his young son, would be well taken care of in the absence of their parents. Unfortunately, they encountered significant challenges in obtaining this information.
“We filed an interim application in court to obtain information about Herbert’s interests, and to allow for interim orders to ensure that his parents are cared for while the matter is being resolved,” Joyce explained.
Despite the legal actions, Joyce strongly denied any claims of a dispute between their father and Herbert’s daughter over the late banker’s assets. She emphasized that their father, who had always avoided legal battles, would never engage in a conflict over his son’s estate. “Our father was adamant that he would never fight his child. He repeatedly said that he had never been to court in his life and always advocated for unity and transparency,” she said.
The family’s primary concern is to ensure that Herbert’s estate is managed transparently, particularly for the sake of his orphaned grandchildren. Joyce reflected on her father’s wishes, stating that he only wanted accountability and a secure future for the children. “My father wanted transparency in handling Herbert’s estate, especially for his grandchildren, who now have no parents,” she shared.
Joyce also recalled Herbert’s own commitment to providing for his young son, Okach, and ensuring his well-being. “Herbert always made it clear that we needed to look after Okach and make sure he had everything he needed,” she added.
In the wake of this tragic loss, the Wigwe family continues to navigate the complex legal and financial matters surrounding Herbert’s estate, all with the goal of ensuring the continued support and care of his loved ones.
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