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The Impact of Polygamous Family on Children Inheritance

Polygamy is widely accepted in many societies and persists in certain parts of Nigeria. The offspring of a single father with several wives confront special difficulties, especially when it comes to passing on an inheritance. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of polygamous family structures on heirs’ entitlements, with a particular eye on the situation in Nigeria’s Plateau State.

Cultural and Legal Framework
The practise of polygamy runs deep in the theological and cultural fabric of Plateau State. In many cases, customary laws supersede statutory laws and serve to both recognise and preserve it. Children born within a polygamous family are legally recognised as members of the father’s line of descent. However, depending on criteria like birth order, gender, and the connection between the women, deciding how to divide up an inheritance may be difficult and divisive.

Gender Inequality
The persistence of gender inequality is a major effect of polygamous family systems on the inheritance of offspring. The inheritance rights of males are often prioritised above those of girls. Because of this bias towards sons, daughters are frequently denied their fair portion of the family’s legacy, which may have a profoundly disempowering effect on them.

Emotional and Psychological Effects
The effects of polygamy on heirs extend beyond the value of a family’s belongings. The psychological and emotional well-being of the children involved may also be negatively impacted. Sibling rivalry is common in polygamous families because children want to acquire their father’s favour and his material possessions. This may cause problems with self-confidence, poor self-esteem, and conflict between siblings.

Economic Implications
Polygamous families often face economic challenges due to the division of resources among multiple wives and their children. This can result in limited financial support for the children, affecting their overall well-being and future prospects. Additionally, the unequal distribution of inheritance can exacerbate economic disparities among siblings, further perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

Legal Reforms and Social Change
Efforts have been made in recent years to help children from polygamous households overcome the disadvantages they experience when it comes to inheritance. Legislative changes have been suggested to eliminate gender and birth order bias in the inheritance process. The importance of social reform and education in combating entrenched gender roles and fostering parity between the sexes in polygamous households is also becoming more widely acknowledged.

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