Sentiments against discriminatory principles are yet to sip into every aspect of customary law of succession. Under, Urhobo customary law, wives cannot inherit property from a deceased spouse.

The Urhobo people, of Southern Nigeria, adopt the practice of primogeniture which places priority on the eldest male child, in inheriting the … (read more)

Sentiments against discriminatory principles are yet to sip into every aspect of customary law of succession. Under, Urhobo customary law, wives cannot inherit property from a deceased spouse.

The Urhobo people, of Southern Nigeria, adopt the practice of primogeniture which places priority on the eldest male child, in inheriting the deceased father's estate and property.

While female children can inherit property, the eldest son must as of right inherit the house in which the deceased father lived in, as well as a larger portion of the remainder.

It is therefore possible, today, that in intestate succession, a 'complete stranger' first-son can become a principal heir to the detriment of unmarried daughters and a surviving spouse (there is no such thing as an illegitimate child under Urhobo customary law). A rule that is unfair.