TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT 5
CHAPTER ONE 6
INTRODUCTION 6
1.1 Background to the Study 6
1.2 Statement of the Problem 7
1.3 Objectives of the Study 8
1.4 Research Questions 9
1.5 Scope and Limitations of the Study 10
1.7 Significance of the Study 11
1.8 Definition of Key Terms 12
CHAPTER TWO 13
CONCEPTUAL AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK 13
2.2 Concept of Customary Law 13
2.3 Nature of Succession under Customary Law 21
2.4 Legal Status of Customary Law in Nigeria 28
2.5 The Repugnancy Test and Customary Law 35
2.6 Concept of Land Rights under Customary Law 41
2.7 Duality and Conflict in Nigeria’s Legal System 48
2.8 Conclusion 52
CHAPTER THREE 55
IGALA CUSTOMARY LAW ON SUCCESSION TO LAND 55
3.1 Introduction 55
3.2 Overview of the Igala People and Their Social Structure 55
3.3 Customary Tenure and the Nature of Land Rights 56
3.4 Rules Governing Succession to Land 57
3.5 Gender and Inheritance: Exclusion of Women 58
3.6 Procedure for Inheritance of Land 59
3.7 Disinheritance and Disqualification 60
3.8 Conflict Resolution and Customary Arbitration 61
I. Family elders’ council; 61
II. Village heads (Onu-Ayegba); 61
3.9 Changing Dynamics in Igala Succession Practices 61
3.10 Case Examples 62
3.11 Conclusion 63
CHAPTER FOUR 64
LEGAL, CONSTITUTIONAL, AND EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF SUCCESSION UNDER IGALA CUSTOMARY LAW 64
4.1 Introduction 64
4.2 Doctrinal and Constitutional Appraisal of Igala Customary Succession Law 64
I. Violation of gender equality (CEDAW); 67
II. Discrimination based on marital status; 67
4.3 Empirical Analysis of Succession Practices in Igala Land 67
4.4 Comparative Analysis: Customary vs Constitutional Standards 72
4.5 Conclusion 73
CHAPTER FIVE 74
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS 74
5.1 Summary of Findings 74
5.2 Conclusion 75
5.3 Recommendations 76
5.4 Contribution to Knowledge 77
5.5 Suggestions for Further Research 77
REFERENCES 79
QUESTIONNAIRE 86
