Ex-Miss Nigeria, widow of late philanthropist, fight dirty over husband’s estate

A widow, Mrs Oluyemisi Ajayi, and her five children have requested a Lagos State High Court to exclude a former Miss Nigeria, Helen Prest from benefiting from the estate of their late breadwinner, Dr Tosin Ajayi of First Foundation Medical Engineering Co. Ltd.

Mrs Ajayi and the children made the prayer in a suit commenced on September 17, 2021, by their counsel, Falana & Falana’s Chambers.

They are seeking an order that the widow and Dr Ajayi’s children (including Helen Prest’s daughter, Tomisin Ajayi) are the only ones entitled to share in the deceased’s estate.

They prayed the court to, among others, hold that Mrs Ajayi is entitled to one-third and the children to two-thirds of the estate.

In essence, Mrs Ajayi and her children are asking the court to rule that Helen Prest (sued as “Ms Helen Davies”) has no interest whatsoever in Dr Ajayi’s estate.

The plaintiffs are also asking the court to declare that the only persons entitled to apply for and obtain letters of administration in respect of the estate are the widow and Dr Ajayi’s children (including Tomisin Ajayi).

Relatedly, they are also asking the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining Helen Prest and anyone acting on her behalf from interfering with the estate.

In the originating summons filed on their behalf, the claimants’ claims are based on Section 46 of the Administration of Estates Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The suit is yet to be assigned to a judge for hearing.

This suit is the latest development in the battle over the estate of the late Dr Ajayi

The deceased was a renowned medical doctor, businessman and a philanthropist before his demise on April 26, 2020.

Another suit on the matter is pending before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

According to the suit, filed by Prest, Dr Ajayi was married to Oluwayemisi and they had children.

Preston averred that the couple were separated before Dr Ajayi’s demise.

It is being averred in that suit that in the course of the separation, he married the former Miss Nigeria, and they had a child, Tosin.