A Professor at the Department of Private and Property Law, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Babatunde Oni (SAN) has proposed a change to Nigerian inheritance laws.
He made the proposal at an inaugural lecture titled, ‘Crying from the Grave: Trust’s Resonance in Inheritance Tales.’ Prof Oni in his lecture traversed the intricate terrain of mortality, estate planning, and properties.
With a focus on challenging existing norms, he stated that unplanned estates, which lead to familial conflicts and legal disputes are common. He emphasised the urgent need for legal innovation to create a more equitable and efficient system that safeguards family legacies.
The SAN examined the succession laws and their application across diverse cultural and religious contexts, while he proposes comprehensive reforms to streamline inheritance laws, ensuring fairness, clarity, and cultural sensitivity in property distribution.
He argued that recognizing and formalizing customary trusts can empower communities, preserve cultural identities, and promote economic development, while providing a structured mechanism for property inheritance. He acknowledged the challenges associated with implementing such reforms, including legal recognition, standardisation, and cultural resistance.
Prof Oni called for collaborative efforts from policymakers, legal practitioners, and community leaders to overcome these hurdles and enact meaningful change.
In outlining practical steps towards reform, he advocated legislative amendments to accommodate customary trusts, public awareness campaigns to promote understanding and acceptance, and capacity-building initiatives to support implementation.
