WRITING A WILL

A will, in a layman is language is a legal document that explains what you want to happen to your money and possessions after you die. This is often more formally called a last will and testament.

The idea of writing a will is not new to Nigerians. It has always existed even in the pre-colonial era. There was no formal education in those days.

In those days, people make their will verbally before death, in those days it was widely believed that people died at old age and to an extent it worked for them. These days, we have people die at a very young age due to the stress and environmental hazards. Civilization is good but it has its own negative contributions.

No one wants to think of the possibility of death, that is, his/her own death. But death, they say, is inevitable. No matter how much we avoid talking about it, we will all leave this world someday. Research has shown that less than 10% of Nigerians have their will clearly written. It is advisable to make sure that your family and other loved ones are provided for if anything happens to you.

In writing a will, your property and possessions will include everything you own including land, houses, vehicles, bank accounts, jewellery, shares, etc. A will is the only way you can ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death.

It is not enough writing a will. You must ensure your will is valid. A valid will is a will that is accepted by the court and put into effect by the court granting what is known as probate. Probate is approval or acceptance by the court of how your assets are to be dealt with.

A valid will must have the following features:

·         It must be witnessed by at least two witnesses at the time of signing.

·         It must bear your signature at the end of the document

·         It must be in writing: handwritten, typed or printed.

Please bear in mind that in choosing these witnesses for your will, it is always better looking for someone who has integrity and the fear of God. A lot of people have had their will not properly executed at death because they were surrounded by sycophants and gullible people. Also bear in mind that it is not advisable to have a beneficiary as a witness.

You may so much love and trust your brother that you want him as a executor of your will, but I can tell you that no matter how much you think he loves you now, it takes God to see a man who will be loyal to you once you close your eyes in death. Even very rich relations have taken things from the family of their late brother and added to the much they already have, leaving the children and the widow to suffer.

In choosing an executor to your will, please make sure you seek professional advice and do away with sentiments. It is always better going for a very neutral person. The executor of your will can be a lawyer that you have so much confidence in. It is unfortunate that so many lawyers of our time are gullible and lack integrity. They can sell you for a mere N200,000. You can also go for an old friend who has no serious attachment to your family and who has proven integrity.

So many Nigerian men are indirectly polygamous. They live with their wives and act very spiritual and committed to the relationship. Some of them have uncountable number of children outside the home. It is only at death you see different women coming up with their children to claim the assets. If you live such a life, having a will protects your children at death.

Nigeria is a country filled with sycophants. However you do it is okay by them because all they are interested in is your pocket. The moment you run into bankruptcy or death comes knocking, you will know that the so called love is hatred in disguise.

Dont make the mistake of trusting relatives so much with your will. Those brothers acting to love your children and wife so much are doing that just to impress you and win your trust. Some of them don’t even talk to your wife in your absence. But the moment you show up, they over-pamper them.

Death is no longer by age. Nobody knows when death will come calling. Prepare for your children and wife before you leave this world. Remember your female children are as important as the male ones. I have come to realise that female children take better care of their parents at old age more than the male does. Don’t ignore your daughter in your will.