Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
By Tony Folarin
The family of the late Herbert Wigwe, who died in a Helicopter crash in the United States of America, alongside his wife, son, and one other, has expressed anger at what they called undue interference from Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, co- founder of Access Bank in the family issues.
In an affidavit filed at the Registry of the Lagos State High Court, deposed to by one Christian, Chukwuka Wigwe, cousin to Late Herbert Wigwe said Aig-Imoukhuede took some decisions as regards the children left behind by the late banker and some decisions in the area of business without consulting his family.
Aig-Imoukhuede was the former group managing director and chief executive officer of Access Bank Plc.
He is also the founder and chairman of Coronation Group Limited and its affiliates, Coronation Asset Management Ltd and Trium Ltd.
In the affidavit dated October 7, Chukwuka deposed to the following in the affidavit: “Notwithstanding these credentials that equip Pastor Shyngle Wigwe to act in the capacity of guardian or to be consulted as to whom should act in that capacity, the business partner of the deceased, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede has assumed indirect guardianship and custody of the deceased’s children.
“In assuming this indirect role of guardianship, Aigboje Aig-moukhuede has subtly created a situation that makes it difficult for Pastor Shyngle Wigwe to act as guardian for the children, particularly the minor children.
“Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede has also cleverly withheld relevant information regarding the deceased’s Estate from Pastor Shyngle Wigwe and other members of the family disenabling any such member from making informed decisions regarding the deceased’s children (his grandchildren).
“I was informed by Pastor Shyngle Wigwe on the 6th day of October 2024, at approximately 8pm, at his residence located at 7, Epsom Street, Northern Foreshore Estate, Off Chevron Drive, EtiOsa LGA, Lagos State, that the circumstance under which Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede has caused Pastor Shyngle Wigwe to be excluded from the affairs of the deceased’s minor children and blocked him from accessing any information regarding the management of the assets of the deceased are as follows: “Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede is currently controlling the assets of the late Herbert Wigwe.
“While Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, otherwise natural guardian of Herbert’s minor children, would usually not be bothered by this, the way Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede is handling the assets is grossly undermining Pastor Shyngle Wigwe’s role as guardian and the head of the Wigwe family.
“Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede’s access to Herbert’s funds gives him a certain level of influence over decisions that affect the deceased’s children. Although he is not their legal guardian, his control over the estate puts him in a position where he indirectly acts as one. ‘This situation has made Pastor Shyngle Wigwe uneasy.
“Ordinarily, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe would not have an issue with Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede managing Herbert’s assets. However, Aigboje Imoukhuede’s influence is now extending beyond financial matters and affecting areas where Pastor Shyngle Wigwe should have full authority,” he said.
The affidavit said further: “Pastor Shyngle Wigwe feels that his natural role as guardian is being undermined.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhucde’s decisions concerning the estate are crossing into the territory that Pastor Shyngle Wigwe should manage for his grandchildren. ‘This overlap is causing tension.
“Pastor Shygnle Wigwe is concerned that if this continues, his legal and natural role as guardian will be further eroded,” he said.
