Abuja:A legal practitioner, Mr. Olumide Olaiya, has advised Nigerians to engage in estate planning by writing wills as a way to prevent future family disputes.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Olaiya, Co-Founder of Castle eWill and Trust, emphasized the importance of estate planning to offer families clarity and to prevent disputes. He urged Nigerians not to leave their loved ones uncertain about their intentions regarding asset distribution.
During the launch of Castle eWill and Trust, a digital platform designed to simplify will writing and trust creation, Olaiya explained that the initiative aims to make estate planning more accessible and encourage individuals to take charge of managing their assets after death. He highlighted that will writing provides clarity and structure, ensuring that dependents have certainty about their future.
Olaiya pointed to biblical references and teachings from the Holy Qur’an that support the practice of estate planning. He noted that many Nigerians work hard to build assets but often delay decisions on how these should be managed. He addressed cultural discomfort around discussing wills but stressed that making one preserves peace and family dignity.
Castle eWill and Trust aims to dispel misconceptions about wills, asserting that writing a will is about taking responsibility for life, not anticipating death. Olaiya emphasized that wills are necessary for anyone with dependents or assets, as assumptions about family understanding can lead to disputes.
The platform allows users to organize their wishes, access guidance on estate planning, and includes security features like data encryption and identity verification. It encourages users to review their wills periodically, especially after major life events.
Olaiya reassured the legal profession that the platform would not replace lawyers but rather expand opportunities by increasing estate planning adoption in Nigeria. He noted the small percentage of Nigerians currently engaged in estate planning and the potential for growth.
During the event, Mr. Adeniyi Quadri, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch, commended the initiative, highlighting the role of technology in modern legal practice. Mr. Abiodun Fari-Arole and Mr. Adejare Olaoluwa also praised the platform’s innovative approach and stressed the need for legal safeguards and security measures.
The highlight of the ceremony included a demonstration of the platform, with stakeholders expressing optimism about its potential to transform estate planning in Nigeria.