Let's discuss some more formal, legal matters today.
I am from the Igbo tribe - a tribe where women are traditionally disinherited. This means that females do not inherit properties under Igbo native laws and custom. So, when their parents pass on, only their male siblings are entitled to inherit the late parents' properties and they can provide for the female siblings, at their sole discretion!
In the same light, widows are disallowed from inheriting their late husbands' properties. Typically, if a man dies, his brothers come in and dispossess his widow of all she owns along with her husband and the lifestyle she been accustomed to.
I do not know if the tradition has any other effects apart from those mentioned above, and honestly, I am not particularly excited to know.
The implication of this practice is that many women and young children are left homeless and helpless once their husbands/fathers die.
This is a sad, sad situation, and it is real!
The existence of federal and state legislation notwithstanding, this practice has continued from time immemorial, even in urban towns.
It behooves on the affected individual to resort to legal protection through long and tedious litigation.
Interestingly, last year, the Supreme Court of Nigeria upheld a decision wherein this tradition/custom was found to be unlawful, repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience. It was accordingly set aside.
The chiefs of many Igbo towns ad communities called for meetings to discuss the implication of this decision on their traditional practices. I am not interested in what they think but I know that the locus classicus has been established they have no option than to abide by it accordingly as well as ensure that it is practiced. My concern however is the fact that females may still need to go to the courts to enforce this position each time. Long-standing traditions do not always die easily especially in the absence of strict enforcement.
Final thoughts:
1. Write a Will and be clear about who you want to get what, when you pass on.
2. If you own property jointly with your husband, let your full names be on the title documents.
3. Inform your family members of the position of your wife and children and let them understand their place.
4. Talk to a lawyer. Know your rights!
PS: I informed my dad of this position last year. His reaction was bland. lol. I'm not sure what to make of it. I just wanted him to know. Not that I look to inherit his possessions - I want him to tell his friends and for them to tell their friends!
Love always.
Photo credit: Insideoyo.com
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