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 SupremeCourt of Nigeria had recently declared that the age long practice of transfer and/or sharing of inheritanceonly among male children of a family in Igbo land is unconstitutional. The legal implication is a blowand challenge to the perennial custom and tradition of the land. Hence, the judgement appears to be farfrom being appreciated by the major stakeholders of the Igbo society, especially the custodians ofculture and tradition. How objective is the judgement? What are the reservations (if any), with the saidjudgement? Considering the reality of the practice of idu nwanyi uno in Igbo land, does it not entail thatthere is no extreme denial of female inheritance among the Igbo people? The judgement thoughlaudable, requires a further interrogations and clarifications so as to make implementation easier.