The Paramount Ruler of Choba Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, HRH, Eze Raymond Webilor Okocha has reacted to the signing into law the bill for the prohibition of the Curtailment of Women’s Right to Share in Family Property by Gov.Nyesom Wike.
Eze Raymond, in a chat with journalists Today, described the prohibition of women from sharing in their father’s property as unfair, noting that the wealth of a father is generally for his children.
The monarch explained that the development will give legal backing to communities that allow daughters share in their father’s property, describing it as a welcome development.
He explained that when a man dies, his children, including the daughters contribute for his funeral, and it is only right that they all benefit from his property as well.
The Monarch had in an interview with Elanhub few weeks ago, said he has been implementing it in his community before yesterday’s assent by the state governor.
According to him, in Choba community, the first daughter of a deceased father plays a significant role towards ensuring that her father is laid to rest. He said after the funeral, and a ram is slaughtered, the first son of the deceased is given the head while the daughter takes the neck.
He questioned why the neck is been given to the daughter if she was not important, adding that such an act is significant, as it recognizes the importance of the woman in the family, which is why she should be included when sharing the man’s wealth.
He also said the attention of family is drawn to a popular saying in the community, when it is time to share their fathers wealth that “whoever works must eat” for them to be convinced that women ought to be included.
The revered monarch noted that he does not only influence the decision in Choba alone, but down to the Akpor entire clan.
He commended the Rivers State Government for signing the bill into law.
However, he said the right for women to share in property is limited to what the father owns, and not that of the community.
