[OPINION] Many People Don't Know How "Next-Of-Kin" Works, By Ade King

The truth of the matter is that most women (and men, if this post were to be used as a yardstick) do not understand the meaning of next-of-kin.

I've seen a lot of display of ignorance of who or what a next-of-kin is.

Gentlemen and ladies, who your properties go to in the event of your demise is not determined by who you put down on any form as your next-of-skin.

Who inherits your estate after you're gone is who you list in your Will.

If you, however, died intestate (that is, without a Will), your property automatically goes to your surviving spouse and children - irrespective of who you've listed on any form as next-of-kin.


So, you women who think your husband is dubious, unreliable and will marry another woman with your money in the event of your death, you better quickly go and divorce the man before you die.

And you men who think your wife is untrustworthy, wicked and will spend your wealth marrying your driver when you kick the bucket, you better find another means of denying her access to that wealth besides listing your brother as your next-of-kin.

Because whether you like it or not, if you do not have a Will (and most Wills can be contested) the moment you breathe your last, even before you're buried, your spouse automatically takes possession of all your assets and - yes - liability (that is, all your gbese).

Same thing legally should apply in the event of the death of the husband but the patriarchal nature of our culture (unfairly)  denies most women access to their husband's estate.

Contrarily, whoever you designate as your next-of-kin is that person or persons who will be called upon or first notified in case of an emergency involving you.

Wives who use their aged mother and minor kids as next-of-kin would suffer the folly of their ignorance should the emergency a next of kin is contacted for is a medical emergency requiring either an approval for immediate medical intervention (surgery) or the payment of pre-treatment or pre-operative costs.

Have you never travelled by air or by public transport before in Nigeria? That manifest they give you to provide the name and number of your  next-of-kin isn't supposed to be used to distribute your unimaginable wealth if you happen to be fatally injured in an accident.

It is intended to provide the information of the person to be contacted if your limbs or head gets missing while you're in their care.

So, folks, the next time they ask you to write your next-of-kin, think about the person that can be easily reached and who can take financial and legal responsibility in case something bad happens to you, and not someone to whom you want to leave your vast estate.

That one should be taken care of in your final Will.