In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of Nigeria invalidated the Igbo customary law that denied female descendants the right to inherit their father's property. The court held that the customary law was a violation of the constitutional right to freedom from discrimination.
The case was brought by Mrs. Lois Chituru Ukeje, who was the only girl child of her late father, Lazarus Ogbonna Ukeje. She was disinherited by her father’s family on the ground that she was a female and therefore had no right to inherit under the Igbo customary law. She challenged this decision in the Court, which ruled in her favor and declared that she was entitled to inherit her father’s estate. The decision was appealed by her father’s family up to the Supreme Court, which upheld the lower courts’ judgments and dismissed the appeal.
The Supreme Court held that the Igbo customary law, which barred a female child, irrespective of the circumstances of her birth, from inheriting or partaking in the sharing of the property and estate of her father, was a violation of her right to freedom from discrimination enshrined in section 42 (1) (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The court also stated that no customary law that is discriminatory is valid in Nigeria.
The court's decision is a major victory for women's rights in Nigeria. It is the first time that the Supreme Court has invalidated a customary law on the grounds of discrimination. The decision is also a significant step towards ensuring that women have equal rights to property ownership.
The decision is a welcome development, but it is important to note that it does not mean that all discriminatory customary laws have been struck down. There are still many other customary laws that discriminate against women, and it is likely that these laws will continue to be challenged in court.
The Supreme Court's decision is a major step forward for women's rights in Nigeria, but it is only one step. There is still much work to be done to ensure that women have equal rights under the law.
The Injustice Against Female Descendants
The Igbo customary law that was invalidated by the Supreme Court is just one example of the many ways in which women have been discriminated against in Nigeria. Customary laws across the country often deny women equal rights to property ownership, inheritance, and divorce. These discriminatory laws have had a devastating impact on the lives of women and girls, making it difficult for them to achieve economic security and independence.
The Supreme Court's decision is a major victory for women's rights, but it is only one step. There is still much work to be done to ensure that women have equal rights under the law. We must continue to challenge discriminatory customary laws and demand that the government take steps to protect the rights of women and girls.
Say No to Discrimination Against Women and Girls
The injustice against female descendants is a violation of their fundamental human rights. It is important to say no to discrimination against women and girls. We must stand up for their rights and demand that they be treated equally.
As Injustice is Real, we expect a full change. We expect the government to give back the women and girls the rights that are duely theirs. We will continue to advocate for this cause until we see a change. We invite you to join us in our campaign for justice and human rights for all.
Kommentarer