A STUDY ON THE CUSTOMS AND IMPACT OF WIDOW INHERITANCE IN OSUN STATE BETWEEN 1950 AND 1960

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Widowhood in Nigeria remains a difficult and complex experience that affects many aspects of a woman’s life, regardless of the country’s diverse cultural norms. Numerous research efforts have highlighted the challenges widows face, particularly linked to inheritance practices in Nigeria. These challenges are multifaceted, involving social, psychological, and economic dimensions (Pearce, 2021; Robinson, 2021; Uchedu, 2018). Widows often bear the brunt of these hardships, especially during the first years after losing their spouse. Globally, there is growing recognition of the connection between gender inequality and slower economic growth (Knowles et al., 2020). One perspective argues that in many developing countries, including Nigeria, women lack sufficient protection in areas such as inheritance rights, legal standing, social status, health, education, and access to opportunities. This is reflected in the common observation that women typically inherit less than men (Dollar and Gatti, 2019). While both widows and widowers experience grief after losing their spouses, societal expectations in Nigeria often prioritize male behaviors as the norm. Historically, men are seen as the primary contributors to African civilization's development, and this belief in male dominance continues in contemporary Nigerian society. The difficulties widows face daily in Nigeria are well-known and widely accepted. These traditional practices not only damage women’s lives but also violate international agreements like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). In the Igbo community, deeply rooted customs present major obstacles for widows seeking to claim their human rights (Okoye, 2019). Legally, inheritance issues in Nigerian marriages are governed by the Marriage Act of 1990, which entitles women to a share of their husband’s estate, including land (section 26). However, in practice, these laws are often theoretical and poorly enforced. Traditional customs and courts sometimes exploit ambiguities in the law, allowing relatives to manipulate inheritance to the widow’s disadvantage. For example, Yoruba customs generally deny widows any claim to their late husband’s estate, treating property as a family birthright, regardless of the widow’s contributions (Nwogugu, 2017). Widows without sons often face total disinheritance, leaving them with nothing and unable to benefit from their late husband's assets. This study thus focuses on examining the practice and consequences of widow inheritance in Osun State between 1950 and 1960. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Research over the past decades shows that widows make up a significant portion of adult women in many African societies (Okoye, 2019; Pearce, 2021; Fasoranti and Aruna, 2017). However, there remains a notable lack of thorough research on widowhood and inheritance practices in Nigeria, especially using systematic sociological or cosmological methods (Fasoranti and Aruna, 2017). As a result, much of the available information is raw and unprocessed. There is a considerable gap in studies that examine widowhood behaviors in both rural and urban areas of Osun State, as well as how these customs have evolved over time with the influence of modernization and religions like Christianity and Islam (Babatunde, 2015). Widows frequently lose access to their late husband’s assets—including money, vehicles, and property—which are essential for maintaining their livelihoods (Babatunde, 2015). Harmful widowhood and inheritance customs remain common in Yoruba society, especially in Osun State. It is often wrongly assumed that widows in urban areas have better inheritance rights than those in rural communities, but challenges persist across both settings. This study thus investigates the practice and effects of widow inheritance in Osun State during 1950-1960. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The main objective is to explore the practice and effects of widow inheritance in Osun State from 1950 to 1960. Specifically, the study aims to: i. Examine the various inheritance practices among the Yoruba people. ii. Identify the factors influencing widowhood practices in Osun State. iii. Propose constitutional and judicial measures to address and reduce disinheritance faced by women in Osun State. 1.4 Research Questions To guide the study, the following questions are posed: i. What are the different inheritance practices among the Yoruba people? ii. What factors influence widowhood practices in Osun State? iii. What constitutional and judicial actions can help combat the disinheritance of women in Osun State? 1.5 Significance of the Study This research is important because its findings will assist Nigerian policymakers and development planners in tackling gender inequality issues. The insights could be adapted by similar societies facing comparable challenges. It will benefit students and researchers working in development-related fields by providing valuable knowledge. Furthermore, the study aims to shed light on Osun State’s progress toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Ultimately, the findings are expected to contribute to addressing harmful widowhood practices among rural and urban women in Nigeria and add to academic literature. 1.6 Scope of the Study The focus of this study is on the practice and impact of widow inheritance in Osun State during the period 1950-1960. The study will explore factors influencing widowhood customs and propose constitutional and judicial recommendations to tackle disinheritance challenges in the state. The research is limited to Osun State. 1.7 Research Methodology This section explains the methods the researcher will use to conduct the study and collect data. The historical research approach will be adopted, using descriptive methods for data collection. Materials will be gathered from secondary sources such as books, journal articles, magazines, online resources, conference papers, and both published and unpublished works. 1.8 Organization of the Study The study is divided into five chapters. Chapter One introduces the study, outlining the background, problem statement, objectives, scope, and organization. Chapter Two discusses inheritance practices among the Yoruba. Chapter Three examines factors influencing widowhood customs in Osun State. Chapter Four suggests constitutional and judicial solutions to address disinheritance issues faced by women. Chapter Five summarizes the key findings, offers recommendations, and concludes the study.