AN APPRAISAL OF WOMEN S RIGHT TO PROPERTY UNDER CUSTOMARY LAW( A CASE STUDY OF WOMEN RIGHTS IN SOUTHERN KADUNA STATE)

📄 Project Abstract

In most tribes in the Southern part of Kaduna State, when a person dies, his property is been distributed among family members and the women are often left with no assets. This is because, traditionally, it is deemed that women are not entitled to right of inheritance of land or landed property, particularly property of their male parents or husbands. The courts did not help matters in the past as these customary practices might be seen to have enjoyed judicial favour in the sense that the courts have made pronouncements in the past to support them. In recent times however, the courts are beginning to reverse those decisions and rule in favour of the women. The recent courts ruling on the right of women to inheritance can now be considered as victory for gender equality in Nigeria. Although, implementation of these judgments are what will be likely to be fraught with difficulties because the inheritance custom voided by the court is deeply rooted and likely to be resisted by men folk i...