A Professor of Private and Property Law, University of Lagos, Babatunde Adetunji Oni, SAN has emphasized the importance of estate planning as a panacea to modernise and strengthen the trust systems to resolve inheritance issues in Nigeria.
He gave the recommendation during the 8th Inaugural Lecture of the University in the 2023/2024 academic as all the stars aligned in front of a fully-packed audience at the J. F Ade-Ajayi Auditorium.
The event which was a gathering of eminent personalities from various walks of life including renowned legal luminaries, celebrated members of the Bar, and prominent intellectuals, who came in their numbers to witness a topic associated with resolving complex inheritance and trust issues.
Amongst them were his parent, Pa Elijah Adekunle Oni, JP, and Mrs. Esther Adunola Oni; paramount ruler of Igboho, Oyo state, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Joel Olalere Olawuwo; Spouse, Racheal Mojirade Oni; internationally acclaimed Professor of International Law and Jurisprudence, Professor Akin Oyebode; renowned Professor of Sociology and former Pro-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Adebayo Ninalowo; Professor Imran Oluwole Smith; Justice Rasul Olukolu of Lagos Judiciary and many others.
The inaugural lecture titled: “Crying from the Grave: Trust’s Resonance in Inheritance Tales” navigated the intricate terrain of mortality, estate planning, and the consequential impact on the distribution of self-acquired properties.
Professor Oni shed light on the consequences of society’s reluctance to confront mortality, resulting in animosity, legal disputes, and the erosion of familial bonds.
The astute Professor of Law also did not shy away from addressing the challenges associated with implementing customary trusts in Nigeria. He candidly discussed the difficulties in obtaining legal recognition, lack of standardization, limited awareness, resistance to cultural shifts, and documentation challenges. Despite these hurdles, the lecturer painted a hopeful picture, envisaging the prospects of customary trusts as potent instruments for cultural identity preservation, community empowerment, social cohesion, and economic development.
While he delved into the rich tapestry of Nigerian customary law, the Igboho-born Don examined the inheritance practices across various ethnic groups and geographical regions and to unveil the rich diversity and subtle nuances inherent in customary laws, contributing to a more profound comprehension of the multi-cultural complexity that defines Nigeria.
Turning the lens towards Nigeria’s legal landscape, the lecturer meticulously dissected the structure of succession laws, with a keen focus on intestate succession. Through a nuanced analysis, he categorized these laws into English Common Law, state-specific Administration of Estate Laws, and Customary Law, including Islamic Law resulting in an understanding of the diverse legal frameworks governing the distribution of estates in Nigeria.
According to him, the interplay of trust and customary inheritance weaves a complex narrative deeply rooted in tradition and the absence of a deliberate plan does not exempt individuals from the imposition of trust principles by law when managing the properties of a deceased individual.
Professor Oni averred that his lecture should serve as a wake-up call, urging individuals to embrace the responsibility of crafting a well-thought-out estate plan to safeguard the legacies they leave behind.
He presented a repertoire of options including Wills, Trusts, Gifts, Power of Attorney, Succession by Contract, and the nomination of beneficiaries for diverse assets to the audience.
Born on the 21st day of June 1969 in Igboho, Orelope Local Government, Oyo State, Professor Adetunji Babatunde Oni, SAN research interests include Property Law, Law of Trusts, and Restitution. He is the Coordinator of the Wills Clinic of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos.
The seasoned and esteemed international scholar has over 100 publications both in local and foreign peer-reviewed Journals and has received numerous international awards. His notable book: The Law of Succession in Nigeria (Principles, Cases, and Practice) first published in 2019 and revised in 2021 by the University of Lagos Press and Bookshop Ltd is a leading textbook in the area of Succession and Administration of Estate in Nigeria.
Professor Oni who was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on November 27, 2023, is happily married with children.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
