By Felicia Udeji
A fierce legal battle has erupted within the family of the late Access Bank CEO, Herbert Wigwe, as his 90-year-old father, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, takes his 26-year-old granddaughter, Otutochi Wigwe, to court over the management of the late banker’s estate.
The dispute, which has now moved to the Court of Appeal, began when Pastor Wigwe sought to be appointed as an interim administrator of his son’s estate. He also requested joint guardianship of Herbert Wigwe’s minor children, arguing that their welfare should be overseen by multiple family members and professionals.
However, on February 6, 2025, Justice A.O. Adeyemi of the Lagos State High Court dismissed Pastor Wigwe’s application. The judge ruled that he was not entitled to the reliefs he sought and reaffirmed an earlier judgment that had already appointed Otutochi as the legal guardian of her younger siblings.
Undeterred, Pastor Wigwe and his co-applicants—including Herbert Wigwe’s brother, Uche Wigwe, and two professional firms—filed a notice of appeal on February 13. They argue that the lower court failed to distinguish between temporary measures to protect the estate and the final distribution of assets.
As the legal tussle continues, all eyes are now on the Court of Appeal to determine the next chapter in this high-profile family dispute.