Per emerging reports, Herbert Wigwe and his sister, Joyce, had a difficult relationship, often clashing over financial matters during his lifetime.
According to an insider, she believed Herbert had not done enough for her, despite his financial support.
In one of their heated arguments, Joyce allegedly made a remark that now seems unsettling:
“Your plane one day will crash. Calm down. Money will be scattering. The money you spend on girls will scatter.”
On February 9, 2024, Wigwe died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife Doreen, firstborn son Chizi, his friend Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and accompanying pilots.
Background
The Wigwes have been caught in a legal tussle regarding the administration of late Herbert's will.
In November last year, Herbert’s cousin Christian Wigwe and Pastor Shyngle Wigwe (Herbert's father) filed an application seeking the appointment of interim administrators for the estate of the former Access Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
They also requested an order placing the late banker's minor children (Chituru David Wigwe, Wegu & Hannah Wigwe, and Okachi Great Wigwe) under the joint guardianship of Otutochi Wigwe, Uche Wigwe, Emeka Wigwe, Shyngle Wigwe, and the two professionals.
The application was summarily dismissed by a Lagos State High Court Family/Probate Court last month.
The family is also at loggerheads with Herbert's business partner and friend, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, whom they believe is looking to sideline Herbert's siblings and aged parents.
Joyce Wigwe in a tell-all interview accused Aig-Imoukhuede of intentionally sidelining her father from her late brother's will reading.
“It later became clear that there had been ongoing discussions about Herbert’s will, but we were only informed in September that a will existed and was going to be read,” she said. “However, my father was deliberately sent abroad by Aig Imoukhuede just before the reading.”
Family Feud
A recent report on the issue by Arise News has uncovered more about the ongoing civil war within the family. One of the key actors, Joyce Wigwe, Herbert's sister was referenced in the report.
According to a family insider, one of Herbert and Joyce's disagreements escalated when she wanted her children to attend a Swiss school with fees exceeding $100,000 per year.
Herbert, already paying for his own children’s education in England at a lower cost, refused.
Even their father, Shyngle Wigwe’s intervention did not make him budge. An associate familiar with the situation commented:
“Nobody has a problem with looking after relatives. We all do that. But some people make unreasonable demands.”
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Despite Joyce’s later claims of neglect, financial records show that Herbert had covered her medical bills, school fees, rent, and other allowances. These reported expenditures amounted to over 280 million naira after his death.
The report stated thus:
Arise News checks revealed this verified spreadsheet of payments made to Herbert Wigwe's siblings, including Joyce herself. Joyce had medical fees to the tune of $14,000 paid off in full. School fees she requested for more than $18,000 were also paid in full. The reimbursement of flights, rent, monthly allowances, and other expenses totaled more than 280 million naira since Herbert's death.
The family insider added that there was never absolute trust between late Herbert and Joyce
“Joyce should give one instance where Herbert entrusted her with anything of value. If their relationship was as she claims, there would be evidence.”
Speaking further, the insider said:
If indeed the relationship was like what she says, you would see her come and show you that is what Herbert gave me, not even a note. So don't conjure up noise and fabricate these stories.
For now, the saga rolls on as all parties involved look to find a solution that honours late Herbert's legacy.
ALSO READ: Herbert Wigwe, wife, son laid to rest as mourners pay final respect