A legal expert and human rights lawyer, Monday Ubani (SAN), has confirmed that adopted children in Nigeria hold equal inheritance rights to biological children, following recent public discussions about businessman Obi Cubana’s adopted son,’ claims.
Ubani said if a child is “duly adopted in accordance with Nigerian adoption laws, then he is, without doubt, entitled to the full rights and privileges that come with such a legal status, including any claims to the man’s estate. That is the clear position of the law”.
Section 274 of Nigeria’s Child Rights Act (2003), a legally adopted child is entitled to full inheritance rights, a principle upheld consistently in courts. The law is explicit: once adoption is formalised, that child has irrevocable rights, including to their parent’s estate.
The clarification followed ongoing social media debate about comments made by Obi Cubana’s adopted son regarding his status in the family. Cubana had after the statement, dismissed his adopted son’s claims, declaring his biological son as the true hair to his empire.
While some online commentators questioned the young man’s public statements, legal professional stressed these personal opinions don’t affect his statutory rights.
Ubani faulted Obi Cubana for coming to the public with such matters, which are best resolved privately.
“Should the boy have made such public remarks about his status? I do not think so. His expression may have been immature, perhaps a product of youthful exuberance. Unfortunately, his comments have been misinterpreted by many as presumptuous or entitlement-driven.
“On the other hand, was it right for Obi Cubana to respond to the young man’s perceived indiscretion on social media? Respectfully, no. Matters of this nature are best handled within the confines of family and privacy. Public engagement, especially on sensitive family issues, only escalates misunderstanding and public scrutiny. I believe his reaction may have come under intense pressure, possibly from those around him, sources we all can guess”, he said.
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