‘My late father’s siblings chased us out because he did not have a son’, Abia lady cries out (Video)
A viral appeal by a young Nigerian woman from Abia State has ignited widespread public debate after she alleged that her uncle forcefully took over her late father’s property, leaving her and her sister homeless.
The incident was posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Somto Okonkwo (@General_Somto).
The lady showed where her mother and father were buried in the compound and alleged that her father’s siblings are asking them to leave the property and never come back because her father did not have a male child.
She called on Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to intervene in the matter and save them from being homeless.
“Please, Nigerians and Governor Alex Otti, come to our rescue. My sister and I are orphans, and our uncle wants to take over our late father’s property. We are now homeless,” she said in the video.
The appeal quickly gained traction on social media, drawing thousands of views and triggering intense discussions around customary inheritance practices, women’s rights, and the clash between tradition and statutory law in South-Eastern Nigeria.
Several social media users argued that inheritance rights often depend on whether the property was personally acquired by the deceased or inherited through ancestral lineage.
Some commenters noted that under certain traditional Igbo customs, ancestral land reverts to the extended family if a man dies without a male heir.
“If the land is ancestral, women are traditionally not allowed to inherit it. But if the father personally acquired the property, then it belongs to his children,” one user explained.
Others strongly criticised such customs, describing them as outdated and unjust. Many expressed concern that traditions are sometimes used to dispossess vulnerable women and children.
“Omo, this tradition is rubbish. So, because a man had only daughters, they lose their home after his death?” one user wrote.
Another commenter questioned why legal protections were not effectively enforced, referencing other African countries where laws explicitly protect the nuclear family from such disputes.
“In Nigeria, why aren’t there laws to settle this clearly? In Ghana, this issue was addressed through legislation to protect immediate family members,” a user noted.
The situation also reignited conversations about the importance of writing wills. Several commentators urged Nigerian men to formally document their wishes to prevent family disputes after death.
“As a man, write your will. Children are children, regardless of gender,” another user stated.
Some reactions went further to question whether the matter had been fully presented, calling for clarity on the nature of the disputed property and cautioning against trial by social media.
Despite differing views, many Nigerians expressed sympathy for the sisters, noting that losing both parents is traumatic enough without the added burden of displacement.
“This is heartbreaking. Losing parents is already painful. I hope she gets protection and her rightful inheritance,” one user wrote.
As of the time of reporting, neither the alleged uncle nor any Abia State government official has publicly responded to the claims.
It remains unclear whether the matter is before a court or under investigation.
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