A popular Nigerian legal commentator, known by the social media handle People’s Parliament, Barr. Atanda Olatunji has weighed in on the viral report surrounding a clause in the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s will, which allegedly states that his wife would forfeit all inherited property if she remarries.

In a widely shared post, the lawyer explained the concept of a “Conditional Bequest” — a legal provision where the benefactor attaches specific terms to an inheritance. According to him, this type of clause is legally valid and enforceable under Nigerian law, as it respects the testator\'s wishes.

He broke it down into two categories: Condition Precedent, where a beneficiary must meet certain criteria before receiving the gift; and Condition Subsequent, where a beneficiary forfeits the gift upon a future action — in this case, remarriage.

However, the lawyer noted potential loopholes, adding that the clause may not prevent the widow from engaging in other forms of companionship, having children, or even selling off the property under legal cover. “Las las, the woman fit sell the property after getting letter of administration and buy another one in her own name,” he said, highlighting how such conditions could be bypassed.

The viral reaction has sparked debate on property rights, spousal inheritance, and the reach of conditional clauses in wills.

The legal discourse follows the public release of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s final will on June 16, 2025. According to details made public by will administrator Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN), the former Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General instructed that his wife, Lolo Frances, must forfeit several properties—including the iconic “Legacy House” in Owerri and stakes in Magil Furniture—should she choose to remarry. The will also outlines equitable distribution of assets among his children and philanthropic plans, including converting the “Glass House” in Orji into a public trust for charitable causes.

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