Court issues ultimatum to Herbert Wigwe’s cousin amid estate dispute

In a significant turn of events in the contentious legal proceedings surrounding the estate of the late Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, exclusive court documents have surfaced, revealing that Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, a cousin of the deceased, faces a legal ultimatum from the Lagos State High Court.

This notice demands clarity regarding his involvement in the estate distribution process outlined in Herbert Wigwe’s will.

Christian Chukwuka Wigwe had previously filed a caveat on behalf of Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, the father of the deceased, challenging the terms of Herbert Wigwe’s will.

However, the Lagos State High Court Probate Registry has issued a legal notice instructing him to provide a valid explanation of his interest in the estate within an eight-day timeframe.

The notice, dated October 21, 2024, specifically instructs Christian Chukwuka Wigwe to “enter an appearance either in person or by your legal practitioner at the Lagos High Court Probate Registry” and to clarify his legal interest in the estate of the late Herbert Wigwe, whose address is stated as No. 11 Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos.

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It warns that if he has no contrary interest but wishes to contest the sealing of a grant to another party, he must issue and serve a summons for direction through the Registrar of the registry.

This legal development effectively puts an end to any ambiguity regarding the Wigwe family’s position on the estate and compels its members to disclose their interests transparently.

Notably, the notice comes after Emeka Wigwe, one of Herbert Wigwe’s brothers, publicly reaffirmed the family’s support for the affidavit filed by Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, insisting they are not contesting the beneficiaries named in Herbert Wigwe’s will.

In a recent statement, Emeka Wigwe asserted, “The facts regarding the estate are already publicly available in the Probate Registry, where an affidavit clearly outlines the correct details.” This public declaration seeks to clarify the family’s stance amid ongoing legal challenges.

The legal notice was initiated by Uchechukwu Wigwe, the appointed personal representative of the deceased’s estate, as designated by Herbert Wigwe’s will dated July 9, 2013.

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With the court’s directive, Christian Chukwuka Wigwe is now required to appear at the Probate Registry and articulate the legal and factual basis for his affidavit. This step is crucial for determining the validity of his claims against the enforceability of Herbert Wigwe’s will.

Should Christian Chukwuka Wigwe fail to substantiate his claims, the court may dismiss his caveat, subsequently issuing a grant of Probate or Administration for the estate, despite his opposition.

As the case unfolds, there is a growing interest in investigating Christian Chukwuka Wigwe’s background, his relationship to Herbert Wigwe, and any potential connections to the beneficiaries named in the will.

This scrutiny aims to shed light on the legitimacy of his claims and his motivations in the ongoing legal battle. With tensions mounting and the court’s ultimatum in place, the resolution of this estate dispute remains a focal point for both the family and the public.