Many Igbo women are being prevented from inheriting their fathers’ estates by their male counterparts, notwithstanding a 2014 Supreme Court ruling in Ukeje v. Ukeje, which upheld women’s equal rights to do so. BEN AROH investigates this denial in a few locations inside Enugu State.
I’m Not Aware Of Such: Udenu Woman,
Mrs. Uchenna Odo is from Ezimo, which is in the Enugu State local government area of Udenu. She doesn’t know that she should have gotten anything from her deceased father.
“I’ve never heard about that,” she remarked. There are two brothers that I have. After getting married, I moved in with my spouse. Everything that our father owned, my two brothers shared. Since women in Igbo land receive nothing from their fathers, I won’t gripe. This is the first time you are telling me.
In Igbo country, Uchenna might stand in for the less educated female demographic.
“I’ve never heard about that,” she remarked. There are two brothers that I have. After getting married, I moved in with my spouse. Everything that our father owned, my two brothers shared. Since women in Igbo land receive nothing from their fathers, I won’t gripe. This is the first time you are telling me.
In Igbo country, Uchenna might stand in for the less educated female demographic.
With Josephine Oyima, things are not the same. “I am from Enugu Ezike,” she declared. Before my husband passed away, I got married and had a girl for him. My spouse’s family attempted to take possession of his belongings, but I defeated them. Our people are ignorant.
Diverse Cultural Stakeholders
Ichie Oliver Ozioko holds an Offor title at the LGA of Isi-Uzo. “Men are the head in Igbo land,” he believed. For this reason, after they are married, women adopt their husbands’ names. If you give them these privileges, women will eventually aspire to be the leader of the clan, or the “onyishi.” This cannot be changed or else our ancestors will be upset.
Dr. Anselm Odo is a physician and a member of the Ezimo community’s Igwe’s Cabinet. “We don’t receive such complaints,” he stated. However, Ndigbo culture rejects the idea that women should inherit anything. Women are acknowledged during parent funerals only when asked to share the costs of the service. The custom that states women are not entitled to inherit property should, in my opinion, go. Since their dads own them equally, they ought to be entitled to an equal share of their inheritance. Some women even earn the majority of the family’s income. The issue is a lack of knowledge and education. Orientation is crucial. A woman may divorce even though she is married. If so, where will she reside?
Fathers are urged to defend the rights of their female children by Chief Obiora Itodo, the Igwe-elect of Umuachi in the Igboeze North Local Government Area. In his own words, “It depends on parents.” Regardless of gender, I will distribute what I have among my kids. It worries me that women get married. Since my top focus is the welfare of my children, I don’t think it matters. Despite getting married, Yoruba women inherit their fathers’ possessions. If I don’t give my daughter what she wants, she has the right to sue me.
Nze Kanayo Chukwumezie, the founder of Maka Odimma Ndigbo, stated that it is legally mandated that women inherit their parents’ property in the same manner as males do. “There are numerous court rulings to that effect,” he stated. However, in other contexts, cultural values will not allow for such. In Igbo country, a marriage ceremony is known as “idu uno.” To help her carry everything all the way to her husband’s place, the family packs as much as they can. Some donate automobiles, home appliances, and some even give houses. Thus, it is presumed that she has found a permanent residence. In addition, certain properties, such as the village compound or “Obi,” are not transferable to other families in Igbo culture. For that, no lady would want to get into a confrontation with her male siblings. Although there are still practical cultural hurdles, female offspring have an equal right to their parents’ property overall.
The traditional head of Akegbeugwu in Nkanu West LGA is HRM Igwe (Dr.) Greg Ugwu. “Such cases don’t come to my palace,” he declared. However, I also encourage parents to share their possessions with their female offspring. Typically, women are the ones who tend to their elderly parents. How do you explain away the fact that these girls received nothing from their parents? For their welfare, women ought to receive such. Since they are human, women who go to court will prevail. Women should be treated equally and fairly when it comes to inheriting their parents’ assets, just like men are.
Research Fellow Charles Mbamalu says, “I’ll Share My Estates Among My Children Irrespective of Gender.” He said that women’s inheritance is not taken into account in his community of Mgbowo in Awgu LGA. However, Mbamalu stated that the practice goes against justice and equity.
“I won’t discriminate between my female and male children,” he declared. What assurance is there that the women’s extended families would improve their well-being even if they marry? So, their biological family are the first to prioritize their welfare. That ought to be the starting point. They become vulnerable when their husbands’ homes are unoccupied by them.
Lawyers speak
Barr Ken Ike practices law in Enugu. He attributes ignorance to the ongoing denial of Igbo women’s rights. “I’m glad you are aware of the court’s position in Ukeje v. Ukeje,” he said. The law makes it quite evident that any legislation that violates the rights of male and female offspring of the same parents is incompatible with equality, natural justice, and morality.
“The level of awareness is poor. The low proportion of female victims who are prepared to stand up for their rights and interests is another factor. Education for girls should be prioritized. The only mind capable of attempting to establish rights and interests is the conscious mind.
“I still wonder why women, especially female lawyers, are mute over it,” stated Barr Hyginus Ugwu. Sensitization beginning in elementary schools is the answer. Christian associations ought to provide assistance as well.
Lawyer Veronica Ezema practices in Nsukka. “Women are ready to reclaim their right to inheritance,” she declared. The family is the source of the problem. Many people prefer not to incite conflict in their houses. Regretfully, awareness is beginning to spread. Bravo to parents who have come to terms with this idea.
Gender-Based Bodies Kick
The Ogechi and Sam Ikeh Foundation’s (OSAIF) executive director is Ogechi Ikeh. “The Igbo culture is the factor that prevents women from inheriting their fathers’ property,” she stated to THE WHISTLER. The Supreme Court’s decision won’t cause this culture to vanish overnight. The majority of guys are unaware of this judgment and its ramifications.
“This implies going down to the community level and engaging the stakeholders,” she said in reference to raising awareness. A few of them are now aware of this. We inform them that these women are their legitimate offspring. We begged them to change from their previous practices.
“We get these kinds of complaints. We involve every important stakeholder. We give them a little space if they refuse, and then we return. It is quite difficult for some people to accept that women should inherit their fathers’ fortunes. We advocate strategically. Most of the time, it is settled amicably, leaving everyone happy.
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Enugu State, is led by Ngozi Ngene. “Many are unaware of that Supreme Court judgement,” the speaker stated. The majority of guys resist it. I’m aware of instances in which a father’s buildings and other belongings were divided, with the exception of the lone, unmarried daughter. For the simple reason that it could generate friction in their families, the majority of women do not want to pursue the issue. More advocacy is required.
Is Law the Answer?
In the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Harrison Ogara is the representative for the Igboeze South State Constituency. It would be overkill to file a measure to that effect, he said. It becomes a law because of the Supreme Court’s decision.
“Anyone who is eligible for this kind of right ought to pursue it. She should ask the court to vindicate her rights if she is denied. The Supreme Court’s law supersedes that passed by the House of Assembly.
“That decision is enforceable. Women will wait forever if they think that men should give up cultural rights that they believe they are entitled to. To assert their rights, women should get in touch with civil society organizations and organizations that focus on gender issues.
Some men are unaware that women have the same constitutional right to inheritance as men have. Imagine what can happen to an unmarried woman without any inheritance living at her father’s compound. Yoruba customs dictate that women are allowed to inherit and possess items from their husbands’ homes…..Seê _ Morê
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