Widow, Children Petition Community Leaders Over Late Husband’s Property

A widow in Ilorin, Kwara State, Mrs. Bose Matanmi, has appealed to community leaders, relevant stakeholders and church authorities to intervene in an alleged dispute over her husband’s estate, claiming that she and her two children have been excluded from benefiting from the property.

In a statement by Mrs. Matanmi and her children, Titi and Tunde Matanmi, the family expressed concern over the handling of properties allegedly developed and owned by her husband, Oluyinka (Yinka) Matanmi, before his death on December 18, 2009.

At the centre of the dispute is a commercial property comprising about 45 lock-up shops located at No. 135, Murtala Muhammed Way, Ilorin, which the family said forms part of the deceased’s estate.

According to documents made available to journalists, Mrs. Matanmi said she was served with a notice in 2010 to vacate the family residence, where she had been living with her children.

She said a reminder letter followed, leading to their eventual relocation from the property in 2013.

The widow alleged that since her husband’s death, the disputed property has remained under the control and management of a retired academic, cleric and former commissioner.

She alleged that rental income from the property has been collected and managed without her or her children’s involvement, and that they have not been given access to information regarding the administration of the estate.

Mrs. Matanmi said she approached members of the extended Matanmi family and respected community leaders in search of an amicable resolution, but the efforts did not yield the desired outcome.

The family added that several attempts were made over the years to resolve the matter through family intervention and mediation, all without success.

Among those who reportedly intervened was the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kwara, who was said to have facilitated dialogue between the parties.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye, was also reportedly approached to help resolve the lingering dispute.

Mrs. Matanmi and her children said they were not seeking confrontation but transparency and accountability in the management of assets they believe belong to the estate of their late husband and father.

They maintained that the issue goes beyond property ownership, saying it concerns the future and welfare of the deceased’s children. They appealed for justice, fairness and recognition of what they described as their rightful interests in the estate.