A Critical Analysis of the Laws of Inheritance in the Southern States of Nigeria. (2nd July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Edu, OK
• Is Part Of: Journal of African law. Volume 60:Number 1(2016:Apr.)
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 155
• Publication Date: 2015-07-02
• Subjects: Law -- Africa -- Periodicals; 349.605
• DOI: 10.1017/S0021855315000133
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8553

Abstract

Abstract: This article critically examines the customary laws of inheritance in the communities of southern Nigeria. It argues that the rules are skewed against female beneficiaries, both wives and children. It also argues that courts faced with such customs should subject them to the repugnancy test contained in the Evidence Act 2004, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and other international conventions to which Nigeria is party, as do the courts in Ghana, South Africa and Botswana.