Amanze ChinonyeIn a country where traditions still influence the law with invisible hands, a single clause in the will of the late Ohanaeze President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has sparked conversations around gender issues in Nigeria.
When the revered elder statesman passed away on 25 July 2024, at the age of 82, many anticipated a smooth reading of his will. But when his 37-year-old widow, Frances Chinonyerem Ewerem, was bequeathed substantial assets on one controversial condition that she must never remarry, what should have been a private family matter quickly erupted into a national debate on power, patriarchy, and possession.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Clause That Changed the Conversation
The will, read on 16 June 2025, outlined the husband’s assets to be bequeathed to Frances, which include real estate holdings, business shares, and the iconic “Legacy House” in Owerri. However, buried in its pages was a deeply conditional clause: Frances would forfeit all assets given to her if she chose to remarry.
What followed was a public outcry, especially from feminist circles and women’s rights advocates who condemned the clause as controlling, antiquated, and emblematic of the systemic policing of women’s autonomy.
Reactions
Social media exploded with polarized reactions. Feminist writer Amaka Ogbodo tweeted: “Why do men insist on owning women beyond the grave? A wife is not a piece of legacy furniture to be ‘kept in place.’ This is power disguised as protection.”
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Renowned gender rights activist Chinwe Azubuike also weighed in on the matter during an interview on Arise TV. “Widows in Nigeria are routinely subjected to rules no widower would ever tolerate. This clause isn’t about love, it’s about control. You can’t sugarcoat it with legacy talk,” Azubuike stated.
On Instagram, some feminists dubbed the clause “emotional colonization,” arguing that wealth should never come with a price tag on personal freedom.
Is It Patriarchal or Protective?
Some defenders of the clause say it’s simply a wealthy man’s way of guarding his life’s work and shielding his young widow from opportunists. Legal expert Barrister Ijeoma Mbanefo offered a more neutral take: “It may be legal, but it certainly isn’t moral. Clauses like this may be challenged in court if deemed discriminatory. That’s where societal evolution and jurisprudence must meet.”
Others took a more pragmatic stance, suggesting that Frances could choose to remain unmarried but pursue companionship discreetly essentially loop-holing the clause. But even this workaround raises deeper ethical questions: Should a widow have to live in secrecy to preserve what’s lawfully hers?
The Bigger Picture: Double Standards & Cultural Grip
What many find most unsettling isn’t just the clause itself but the glaring double standard it reveals. Why are men rarely, if ever, asked to remain celibate for inheritance? Would society applaud a woman for insisting her husband stay single forever after her passing?
This case opens wider questions about how culture, law, and gender roles intersect in Nigerian inheritance practices, particularly in patriarchal elite circles.
What Happens Now?
Legal experts suggest that clauses like this may not stand in court if challenged. But whether or not Frances contests it, the will has already ignited a firestorm, raising awareness and perhaps nudging Nigeria closer to a deeper reckoning on women’s rights after loss.
“You can’t talk of legacy if you don’t leave your loved ones free,” said Mrs Obiageli Nwosu a Lagos-based mother of four. “Otherwise, you’re just building a mansion around a cage.”
Amanze Chinonye is a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria. With a unique voice that blends tradition with modernity, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday Nigerian life, from the bustling markets of Lagos to the quiet villages of the countryside. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
