Father of the late former group managing director of Access Holdings Herbert Wigwe, Shyngle Wigwe has written to the editor-in-chief of Independent Newspapers in Lagos, demanding retraction of a publication alleging a family squabble over the estate of the late banker.
According to the letter dated October 15, 2024, written his his lawyer, Osaro Eghobamien, managing partner at Perchstone & Graeys LP, the publication contains defamatory and unfounded allegations that have seriously hurt the elder Wigwe’s reputation.
The contentious publication was titled “Family Dispute Erupts Over Estate of Late Banking Executive Herbert Wigwe” and published on October 13, 2024. It claimed Wigwe demanded 20 per cent of his son’s estate as the former Access Holdings boss allegedly willed his wealth exclusively to his children.
“The publication contains defamatory and unfounded allegations that have since gone viral, seriously harming our client’s reputation. Your publication falsely claims that Pastor Shyngle Wigwe requested 20 per cent of the estate of the Late Herbert Wigwe, suggesting that this demand contradicts Herbert Wigwe’s will. Worse still, your article implies that there was an intention on the part of our client to disinherit his grandchildren from the estate of their late father,” the letter read.
“These allegations are patently and inherently false and published without any factual basis or verification. The assertions were also published with the sole intention of bringing disrepute to our client and misinform the general public. Such reckless reporting has caused severe distress to our client and his family. Their integrity and reputation are now being brought into question in the public eye.”
The letter demanded “An immediate retraction of the defamatory publication made on the 13th day of October, 2024 titled: ‘Family Dispute Erupts Over Estate of Late Banking Executive Herbert Wigwe.’
“A public apology to the entire Wigwe family and all parties involves, published with the same prominence as the original article.
“An immediate correction of all inaccuracies based on verified facts from the Probate Registry of the High Court of Lagos State.”
The letter added that the law firm would take legal action for defamation, including claims for damages and costs, if the newspaper fails to comply with the demands within seven days of receipt.
The former Access Holdings boss, his wife Chizoba, first son Chizi and others died in a helicopter crash in Southern California on February 9, 2024.
