THE NIGERIA SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT AND THE CASE OF FEMALE INHERITANCE IN IGBO LAND VIS-A-VIS THE CULTURAL PRACTICE OF IDU NWANYI UNO: TOWARDS A PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS AND REVIEW

Abstract

The patriarchal Igbo society of South East Nigeria is largely governed by customary laws and traditions. In this context, somewhat denial of female inheritance has since been a norm. However, the Supreme Court of Nigeria had recently declared that the age long practice of transfer and/or sharing of inheritance only among male children of a family in Igbo land is unconstitutional. The legal implication is a blow and challenge to the perennial custom and tradition of the land. Hence, the judgement appears to be far from being appreciated by the major stakeholders of the Igbo society, especially the custodians of culture and tradition. How objective is the judgement? What are the reservations (if any), with the said judgement? Considering the reality of the practice of idu nwanyi uno in Igbo land, does it not entail that there is no extreme denial of female inheritance among the Igbo people? The judgement though laudable, requires a further interrogations and clarifications so as to make implementation easier.