In December 1981, Lazarus Ogbonnaga Ukeje a native of Umuahia, Abia State though resident in Lagos, died intestate with real property in Lagos State. Following his death, his wife and first son applied for letters of administration over his estate and were granted the same. They then proceeded to administer his estate according to the Igbo native custom. His daughter, Gladys Ada Ukeje challenged their actions and was reminded that their custom disentitles a female from inheriting the property of her deceased father. Consequently, she instituted an action in the Lagos State High Court against her stepmother and younger brother seeking a declaration that she was entitled to share in her father’s estate.
The high court gave judgement in her favour and declared null and void the letters of administration granted to the duo-mother and son. It further restrained them from administering the deceased’s estate and ordered that fresh letters of administration be granted that would include Gladys as part of the administrators of the estate. Stepmum and brother appealed to the court of appeal, which upheld the decision of the state high court and dismissed their appeal. They further appealed to the Supreme Court.
In 2014, 33 years after she instituted her action, the Supreme Court upheld the decisions of both lower courts and held that the Igbo customary law which disentitles a female child from partaking in the sharing of her deceased father’s estate was in breach of Section 42(1) (2) of the Constitution and therefore repugnant to the doctrines of natural justice, equity and good conscience.
The power of one voice.
Gladys Ukeje spent a total of 33 years fighting for her right to inherit. She took on both her nuclear and extended family, the aged traditions of her society and a whole tribe. She must have expended a lot of time, energy, emotions and finances in getting her voice heard. She surely would have faced social ridicule and pressure and must have been labelled an outcast and disgrace especially from the people that would be the beneficiaries of her fight but she didn’t give up and today her voice is the platform upon which women of Igbo origins who seek a part of their fathers inheritance stand on. By that judgment Gladys voice reverberated across the nation and her sense of fairness was validated.
Malala Yousafzai used her voice to advocate for girls’ education despite facing life-threatening opposition. Her activism has led to global awareness and policy changes regarding education for girls.
Greta Thunberg’s clear and passionate voice has galvanized millions around the world to demand action on climate change. Her straightforward messages to world leaders have brought significant attention to the climate crisis.
Martin Luther King’s voice and his non violent approach brought about the end to segregation and enforcement of the violation of black’s rights in the United States of America.
What does it mean to find your voice?
It is said that finding one’s voice means speaking up for oneself and others, speaking one’s truth, presenting oneself in a way that they are heard by others and it means standing up for ourselves when no one else would. Having a strong, clear voice is essential for personal fulfillment and societal contribution because it aids us in speaking authentically and authoritatively in our relationships, homes and in society in general. There is nothing as devastating as finding that one does not have a say in the affairs of their lives or that one’s voice doesn’t matter especially in their relationships and in matters that concern them. Finding our voice is to our advantage because if we don’t speak for ourselves, people will not speak for us and even if they do, they will not fight or advocate for us the way we would do for ourselves. When we find our voices we are able to communicate how we want to be treated and to put up and enforce the necessary boundaries we need for our wellbeing ensuring that we are valued, respected and honoured.
How can we find our voices?
In a world where inequality and injustice persist, finding and using our voice can be a powerful tool for change. Finding our voices is a journey in self awareness and self confidence. We need to know what we stand for and how willing we are to stand for what we value and know to be right. We need to know our “whys” because we will surely face challenges and obstacles thrown at us to shut us up. We need to understand what tools will adequately amplify our voices because our medium of projecting our voices may either aid or destroy our message e.g Ms Ukeje’s decision to file a legal action against the injustice of her culture was a more effective way of speaking out than for example resorting to violence, name calling or being pacifist in the hope that she will be rewarded for good behavior.
Why is it so difficult to find or use our voices?
- Not everyone wants to hear the truth and will go to lengths to effectively silence people that speak the truth by discrediting their story and person.
- It takes courage to speak and many a time it is a long, hazardous and lonely journey.
- We tend to think our voices are insignificant and wonder what our lone voice can achieve. In fact, people have told me that Ukeje v Ukeje may have changed the law but its effect was not being felt because people were still afraid to go against their customs but my answer to those who ask what their lone voices can achieve is to take a look at what the voices of people like Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Gani Fawehimi , Mandela, Martin Luther King, Malala Yousafzai and Tarana Burke of “Me Too” movement have done. If nothing, they have informed people of their rights and opened their minds to new ideas, changed policies, made legal precedence and all of them started off as lone voices but slowly they began to echo and finally they turned to a thunder heard by generations unborn.
Our voices are much more than just the words we speak; they encompass our beliefs, values, and the courage to stand up for what is right. When we use our voices effectively, we can raise awareness, influence opinions, and mobilize others toward action. Using our voices to empower others and fight for just causes is a journey of courage, commitment, and continuous learning. It requires authenticity, empathy, and resilience and can create more problems in our path than that which we may be addressing, but by speaking up, we not only contribute to the greater good but also inspire others to find and use their voices, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and positive change.
So, find your cause, stop complaining and grumbling about the ills of the society, forgive wrongs done but ensure that justice is done rather than leaving things to God who as far as I am concerned has given authority to the government to take vengeance on his behalf , raise your voice, speak out loud, refuse to be silenced and be the change you wish to see in the world.
