IMPERATIVE OF DOMESTICATING THE SUPREME COURT DECISION IN UKEJE V. UKEJE ON WOMEN INHERITANCE IN IGBOLAND.

This research topic was motivated by examining the discriminations and inequalities suffered by women in Igboland as regards inheritance of property and proffering solutions thereby ending the untold hardship which the decision in Ukeje v. Ukeje has settled. Though statutory and international laws have affirmed women’s right to own land and properties in Igboland, these women are often denied access and ownership of such properties. Hence the objective of this research is to ensure that this decision is domesticated and codified into our statutory laws. The researcher adopted the doctrinal approach and relied on primary and secondary sources of gathering materials. Finding of facts reveal that generally, Igbo communities are male dominated in nature which had the unequal positioning of the male as heirs and successors in terms of inheritance, economic and socio-cultural powers while women are relegated to the background. Even while most of the cultural traits of society are fast changing as in a dynamic world, this inheritance right is not resilient but rather remains static. The implication of this is that women cannot inherit her father or husband’s property, rather, male strangers were willfully allowed to inherit same. This research therefore, seeks to ensure that this decision be domesticated and codified as binding on Igbo communities. This research recommends the need for grassroots public enlightenment programs and awareness such as offering free legal aid services as per inheritance rights which should be made available to women in Igbo communities, to enable the women understand, protect and enforce their rights. This can be achieved by targeting strategic places like markets, churches, town hall meetings, and August meeting. If the recommendations proffered in this research are followed, women will be liberated from being ignorant (Ignorantiajuris non excusat).