The Probate Registry of the Lagos High Court has summoned Christian Chukwuka Wigwe to respond within eight days regarding a caveat he filed on the estate of his late cousin, Herbert Wigwe, the former Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank.
Christian is disputing the distribution of Herbert Wigwe’s estate as outlined in his will. The registry has instructed him to appear in person or through a legal representative to clarify his interest in the estate.
According to the directive in Probate Form 7, Christian must specify his claim. If he intends to contest the grant of probate, the court requires him to issue and serve a summons for direction through the Registrar. Failure to do so may result in the court proceeding with the issuance of probate or administration despite his caveat.
The notice was issued following a request by Mr Uchechukwu N. Wigwe, the personal representative appointed in Herbert Wigwe’s will, dated July 9, 2013.
Reports have linked Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, Herbert’s father, to the caveat, allegedly seeking 20 per cent of the estate. However, the will specifies that the estate be distributed solely among Herbert’s children. Pastor Wigwe, through a family statement, has denied these claims, asserting that no such request was made.
Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife and son, tragically died in a helicopter crash in the Mojave Desert on February 9, 2024. Former Nigeria Stock Exchange chairman, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, was also among the six victims of the crash.
