The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar, has said that women should not share inheritance equally with men. This he said against the backdrop
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar, has said that women should not share inheritance equally with men. This he said against the backdrop of the bill before the senate seeking equality in inheritance, adding that the bill was against Islamic religion and, therefore, unacceptable to Muslims. The bill also proposes that a widow is entitled to the custody of her children unless it is contrary to the interest and welfare of the children. This is in addition to a widow having the right to remarry any man of her choice as well as have the right to a fair share in the inheritance of her late husband’s property and the right to live in her matrimonial house.
“Our religion is our total way of life; therefore, we will not accept any move to change what Allah permitted us to do”, said the Sultan.
“Islam is a peaceful religion; we have been living peacefully with Christians and followers of other religions in this country. Therefore, we should be allowed to perform our religion effectively,” he added.
He called on the senate not to consider the bill because of its religious implications.
