Engineer Shyngle Wigwe, the father of the late Access Bank CEO, Herbert Wigwe, has publicly denied rumours suggesting a dispute with his grandchildren over the inheritance left by his late son. The claims had circulated widely online, stirring speculation about a potential family rift over Herbert Wigwe’s substantial estate following the tragic helicopter crash in the United States in February 2024 that claimed the lives of Herbert, his wife, and their eldest child.
The late Herbert Wigwe was widely respected in the banking sector, and his untimely death left behind not only a large financial legacy but also a grieving family. Since the accident, social media users and news outlets have repeatedly speculated about internal family disagreements concerning the distribution of his wealth, creating a wave of unfounded narratives about tensions between the Wigwe patriarch and his grandchildren.
Rumours of family rift
The reports claimed that the 90-year-old Engineer Wigwe had allegedly engaged in legal and emotional battles with his grandchildren in an effort to assert control over Herbert Wigwe’s properties. These rumours suggested that the elder Wigwe might have been attempting to override the late banker’s wishes or manipulate the inheritance process, igniting widespread debate and concern among followers of the family’s affairs.
Wigwe denies rumours
In a detailed interview with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Engineer Wigwe categorically dismissed the allegations, calling them “baseless fabrications” and expressing disbelief at the notion that he would ever contest his late son’s wealth. He stressed that at his advanced age, he is focused solely on family harmony and the preservation of Herbert’s legacy, rather than pursuing any financial gain.
“How can I want to claim Herbert’s properties? Who is the best person to defend Herbert’s properties? The father or a friend? The Father at 90 years? My grandchildren are there! Haba! I beg your pardon! How many more days have I got to live? So what will I do with Herbert’s properties? I trained Herbert. I brought him up, not a single penny from anybody went in to bringing Herbert up? The mother is here. What will I do with Herbert’s wealth?” he questioned emphatically.
He further emphasized that all the speculation about disputes is not only untrue but also harmful to the memory of his son and the unity of the family. Engineer Wigwe reiterated that his priority now is to ensure that Herbert’s contributions to the banking sector and society at large are remembered with respect, while supporting his grandchildren emotionally and morally rather than financially disputing the inheritance.
Social media users and fans of Herbert Wigwe have largely welcomed the clarification, expressing relief that the patriarch is promoting peace and family cohesion during a difficult period. The elder Wigwe’s stance has been seen as a call for unity among the remaining family members and a reminder of the importance of focusing on love and remembrance rather than material wealth.
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