Property Ownership: Expert Seeks Proper Sensitisation On Will Writing

Sequel to problems as
sociated with the administration  of deceased persons’ property in Nigeria, a former Registrar of the Lagos State High Court, Mr Ganiyu Safari, has called for proper sensitisation and education of the citizens on “will writing.”
He said that failure to write a will often creates problems in the administration of deceased persons estates, pointing out that it is in the best interest of estate and property owners to write a will onces they have started acquiring property.
Safari who was speaking to journalists in Lagos on the importance of will writing, said “with your will, you can distribute your estate the way you want by overlooking traditions, customs and religious beliefs. That is why we need to enlighten Nigerians to develop the culture of will writing.”
He noted that one danger in not writing a will is that some of the family members, who were not there when the property owners were struggling with their wives, may come and take the property.
According to him, such conflicts situation often leads to series of litigation which result in congesting the courts, adding that the process of will writing is not difficult.
The former High Court Chief Registrar said “The will must be in writing. It must be signed by a testator. The maker of the will must be 18 years and above and should have soundness of mind.”
According to him, the will should be lodged at the probate section of the High Court, and when the person dies, the will becomes a valid document.
“The moment  you fail to write a will, you have created a lacuna and given room for crisis that may emanate after your demise,” he said.