Shyngle Wigwe, father of the late Herbert Wigwe, former Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, has denied reports alleging that he sought a portion of his late son’s estate.

An online publication claimed that Pastor Shyngle and other family members filed a caveat at the Probate Registry to contest the distribution of Herbert’s estate as outlined in his will.

The publication reported that the caveat was filed under Pastor Shyngle’s direction, backed by an affidavit from Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, who identifies as Herbert’s cousin. 

This legal action was said to aim at altering the directives specified by the deceased regarding the management of his estate.

Further allegations included claims that Pastor Shyngle requested 20 per cent of Herbert’s estate, a demand that allegedly contradicts the will’s stipulation to distribute his wealth solely among his children.

Herbert’s will had been lodged at the Ikeja Probate Court prior to his untimely death.

In a statement issued by Emeka Wigwe on behalf of the family, Pastor Shyngle refuted these claims, stating, “At no point has Pastor Shyngle Wigwe requested 20 per cent of the estate of the late Herbert Wigwe.

“Neither has there been any such request by other family members. The article’s claim that this demand contradicts Herbert’s will is entirely false and misleading.

“The facts regarding the estate are already publicly available in the Probate Registry, where an affidavit clearly outlines the correct details. A simple search by your reporters would have revealed this truth.”

Pastor Shyngle further urged the publication to correct the inaccuracies in their report and to practice greater diligence in fact-checking future stories.

He emphasised, “During this painful time of grief, our family remains united, focusing on healing and growing stronger together.

“We have no intention of engaging in a public defence because there are no sides to take. The only truth is that we are navigating this immense loss and will continue to do so with dignity.

“Herbert Wigwe’s legacy as a visionary banker and entrepreneur is paramount, according to the family. He is remembered for transforming Access Bank into a national leader and for his commitment to empowering others through initiatives such as The HOW Foundation, which focused on education and healthcare.

“The family concluded that these values should take precedence over “unfounded speculation,” he added.

Tragically, Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife, Chizoba, and son, lost their lives in a helicopter crash on February 9, 2024, near a border town in California, USA. (Nigerian Tribune)