TessyThere are over 30 very unique ethnic groups in Nigeria, each speaking very distinct languages and having different cultures and practices. It is not unusual to see some of these different cultural group share similar beliefs or way of life with each other. However there are some cultures that differentiate one culture from another and we shall be discussing one of such practice.
The culture of giving ownership to women or daughters in Nigeria has always been a topic of discuss because it is not practiced all over the country. The igbos do not believe that a woman should own a property, whereas the Urhobos consider their daughters worthy of property ownership.
This practice is usually enforced in the cases of land ownership, especially ancestral lands which have belonged to the family from time immemorial.
The Igbos
The Igbos are found in the eastern part of Nigeria, about 5 states in total which speak the igbo language exclusively. These states include Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi. Although these states are generally categorized as igbo speaking, they each have their individual dialect. Some dialects are so different it is almost impossible for a central igbo speaker to translate or understand it.
Due to the existence of multiple dialects that are oftentimes incomprehensible to one another, the Igbos have a dialect called “igbo izugbe” this is translated as “central Igbo”. This central Igbo is the dialect that is taught in schools all over the east and as such is understood by every igbo indigene who learned the dialect. It creates uniformity in language that greatly improves communication and fosters a sense of community.
Why The Igbos Do Not Bequeath Properties to Women or Female Children
In Igboland, it is widely believed that women are transitory. The Igbo culture attaches a certain value to women which implies that their position in the family is temporary and as such should not be granted some authority or favors.
The Igbos believes that the final home of the girl child is with her husband. This belief has existed for so long and continues to exist regardless of the oppositions it has received in recent years. The girl child has no say in her father’s house. Decisions are taken for her, she is excluded from family meetings and she is last to get a share of anything.
This culture is so significant that in Igboland, a boy child of 10 is expected to officiate a family meeting if there is no other older male figure, regardless of the women present. Sadly, the culture is also enforced by women because mothers give their sons authority for themselves too.
The Order Of Inheritance In Igboland
When a father is no more, it should be expected that the children of the bereaved gain ownership to all his properties right? Well, it is not that simple in igboland.
Before properties are shared, the first consideration is if the man had any sons. If the sons are adults, then the whole process and ownership transfer becomes straightforward as the adult son simply takes over everything and decides to do with it as he pleases. Nobody questions his decision to either share with his siblings (male) by giving them a portion of the lands or assets. If he is feeling benevolent, he could sell off some properties and give some of the process to his sisters.
If the late father has no adult son, the man’s brother takes authority over his estate. The brother manages the estate until the son comes of age and it is not uncommon to see situations where the family of the bereaved were completely abandoned and even kicked out of their homes by the said uncle who takes over management.
The above scenario is similar but worse for an Igbo man who leaves the world without leaving a son behind. The widow automatically knows that she is at the mercy of the husbands’ extended family. Not having a son equals zero authority and if your extended family is not benevolent, chances are you will be on the streets immediately your husband is gone, even before he is laid to rest.
The Urhobos
The Urhobos are a very unique tribe predominantly found in the south south region of Nigeria, most especially Delta state. They have a very rich culture and a very unique language. Their meals are also very colorful and delicious. They are popularly known for their Banga rice and soup.
The Urhobos culture of property ownership is entirely different from that of the Igbos in that they have no segregation between sons and daughters. Due to this highly admirable practice, it is very common to see female landlords littered all over their community. Women who own properties and businesses left to them by their fathers and mothers and who go on to manage them and bequeath to their own children.
In Urhobo culture, when a man is no longer alive, his wife gets all the authority over his estate. In the absence of his wife, his children share his estate according to age. That is, the eldest child gets the lion share while the other siblings get portions according to their positions too.
Alternatives to both practices
An alternative method of property sharing for both properties is the writing of will. When a will is written, it is most often granted superior importance over the cultural process of sharing a man’s estate. The estate is now shared exactly as it is stated in the will.
This will is almost always contested in Igboland by the extended family of the bereaved who always feel entitled to a portion of the estate left behind, especially in the absence of a male child. However, it holds up in most cases and even in family or community court. This method of writing a will before ones demise is greatly encouraged in Igboland as it offers security to the man’s immediate family, especially his wife and the mother of his children.
Finally, it is quite obvious that these practices encourage the inferior treatment meted out to women in the Igbo community especially. These practices encourage women to rush into marriages, stay in the marriages regardless of whatever may be happening, and also give birth to male children in order to secure their stance in the home. In the absence of these achievements as an Igbo woman, you are almost left at the mercy of your male family members.
Tessy