Widow seeks intervention over alleged exclusion from estate after husband’s demise

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

A widow in Ilorin, Kwara State, Bose Matanmi, has appealed to community leaders, religious authorities and other stakeholders to intervene in a lingering estate dispute she says has denied her and her two children access to assets belonging to her late husband, Oluyinka (Yinka) Matanmi.

In a statement jointly signed by Mrs. Matanmi and her children, Titi and Tunde Matanmi, the family expressed concern over the management of properties allegedly developed and owned by the deceased before his death on Dec. 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. The family claimed the property forms part of the late Matanmi’s estate and should be administered in a manner that protects the interests of his widow and children.

According to documents made available to journalists, Mrs. Matanmi said she received a notice to quit the family residence in 2010, barely months after her husband’s death. She said a follow-up reminder was later issued, leading to her relocation from the property in 2013.

The family alleged that since 2009, the property has been under the control of Prof. Babajide Matanmi, a former Kwara State commissioner, retired academic and pastor, adding that rental proceeds from the property have allegedly been managed without their involvement or access to information regarding the estate.

Mrs. Matanmi said she had over the years approached members of the extended Matanmi family and respected community leaders in search of an amicable resolution. According to the statement, several mediation efforts were undertaken but failed to resolve the dispute.

The family further claimed that the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kwara State, Right Rev. Dr Sunday Adewole, and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, were among prominent figures approached to facilitate dialogue between the parties, but the matter remains unresolved.

The widow and her children said they were not seeking confrontation but transparency and accountability in the management of assets they believe belong to the deceased’s estate. They maintained that their demand is for justice, fairness and recognition of their interests in their late husband’s and father’s estate.