The Untold Story: Why Herbert Wigwe's Family Is Fighting for His Legacy
Afnews Editor
Feb 22, 2025
The memorial of late Access Holdings CEO, Herbert Wigwe, turned into a shocking scene of betrayal, legal battles, and physical assault. His sister, Joyce Wigwe, has accused close associates of mistreating the family, leaving their father in critical health. From alleged betrayals to security clashes, here's the full story of the turmoil that unfolded.
[caption id="attachment_186191" align="alignnone" width="673"] The Untold Story: Why Herbert Wigwe's Family Is Fighting for His Legacy[/caption]
The family of late Herbert Wigwe, former Group CEO of Access Holdings Plc, has broken their silence on the harrowing betrayal, legal disputes, and shocking physical assault they have endured in the wake of his tragic passing.
Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their first son Chizi, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), perished in a helicopter crash near the Nevada border, California, on February 9, 2024. Since then, what should have been a period of mourning has spiraled into a battle for his legacy, estate, and dignity.
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"Trusted Allies Turned Against UsÔÇØ - Wigwe's Sister Speaks
Speaking at the one-year memorial of the tragedy, Wigwe's sister, Joyce Wigwe, painted a disturbing picture of betrayal and family turmoil. According to her, those whom the Wigwe family once considered brothers have turned their backs on them, leading to heartbreak and even health complications for their elderly parents.
"People we thought of as brothers have really let the family down,ÔÇØ Joyce lamented.
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She revealed that their father, devastated by the betrayal, fell gravely ill. Their mother, equally heartbroken, has been struggling emotionally, unable to comprehend how trusted allies could turn against them in their moment of grief.
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Legal Battles Over Wigwe's Estate Erupt
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Beyond personal betrayals, the Wigwe family is now caught in a web of legal disputes over Herbert's vast estate. Sources suggest that multiple factions, including individuals and corporate interests, are vying for control over his assets, adding further strain to an already shattered family.
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The specifics of these legal battles remain undisclosed, but insiders suggest that boardroom power struggles and contested wills could be at the center of the chaos.
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Security Clash & Alleged Assault at the Memorial
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Perhaps the most shocking revelation from the memorial was the physical altercation involving Joyce's brother, Emeka Wigwe. According to Joyce, individuals who had betrayed the family not only refused to pay their respects but also physically assaulted Emeka at the family's village.
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"They wouldn't even let us through the gates,ÔÇØ Joyce recounted.
She claimed that Emeka was manhandled, thrown to the ground, and nearly run over by a vehicle three times.
"When he managed to break free and defend himself, out of frustration, he threw a blow - and that was the moment they captured in a picture,ÔÇØ she revealed.
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Following this incident, Emeka was reportedly arrested at night, accused of fighting with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). Joyce insists the real story is being covered up, with no one talking about how Emeka was almost crushed by cars before he retaliated.
Heavy Security Presence Raises Questions
Joyce also criticized the heavy security presence at the memorial, highlighting how Herbert's daughter arrived with armed personnel in at least ten vehicles.
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"You begin to wonder - did they really come to pay respects, or was it something else?ÔÇØ she questioned, alluding to possible ulterior motives behind the display of force.
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Mother Devastated Over Son's Legacy
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Joyce emphasized how their mother has been particularly devastated, having dedicated her life to caring for Herbert through his childhood health struggles.
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"This was the child who had the most health problems growing up. She cared for him and devoted herself to him. And yet, this same child was the one who stood up, put them on the map, and gave them a life they could never have dreamed of,ÔÇØ Joyce said.
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She concluded that had the so-called friends and allies truly stood by them, her parents would have found comfort rather than sorrow.
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What Happens Next?
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The Wigwe family's allegations have sparked public outrage, with many demanding clarity on the legal disputes, the assault incident, and the underlying power struggles at play.
As emotions run high, it remains to be seen how these allegations will be addressed and whether justice will be served for the late banking mogul's grieving family.
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— Afnews Editor