Each year, thousands of people in the UK pass away without leaving a will, and many of them are Nigerians and other Africans whose estates ranging from property to savings remain unclaimed. These untold stories of migration, wealth, and family ties left behind are now at risk of being lost forever.
The UK government’s daily-updated list of unclaimed estates reveals over 170 cases connected to African-born individuals, with a significant portion of these linked to Nigerians. These estates, often left behind in the form of property and savings, are legally classified as “bona vacantia” (ownerless goods) and handed over to the Crown when no heirs are identified.
A Legacy Forgotten: The Impact of Dying Without a Will
For many migrants, the UK served as a home of opportunity where they built wealth, bought property, and laid down roots. However, the absence of a will can cause these assets to slip through the cracks, leaving families in Africa unaware of the wealth that their relatives may have built overseas. This lack of clarity around who inherits these assets can result in permanent loss, with no one to claim what rightfully belongs to the family.
Take, for example, the estates of individuals like Adenike Adebiyi, who passed away in Hackney, London, in 2004, or Solomon Adekanmibi, who died in Colchester, Essex, in 2021. Despite their significant contributions to the UK, their estates remain unclaimed and at risk of being forgotten due to the absence of clear next-of-kin identification.
Why It Matters: The Hidden Costs of Unclaimed Estates
This issue goes beyond financial loss; it affects family heritage, culture, and identity. Many African families are unaware of their relatives’ financial situations abroad, as migration often leads to fragmented communication and lost connections. The absence of documentation further complicates the process, leaving loved ones in the dark about the wealth that their family members may have left behind.
The emotional toll of this situation cannot be underestimated. Unclaimed estates represent lost family histories, untold stories of migration, and the struggles of individuals who forged new lives in the diaspora. These assets are more than just property they are legacies tied to the journeys of people who overcame adversity in search of a better life.
The Challenges: Why So Many Estates Remain Unclaimed
- Lack of Awareness: Many African families don’t realize that their relatives may have estates abroad, nor do they know how to claim them.
- Genealogical Gaps: Official records often lack the necessary family details or next-of-kin information, making it difficult to track down heirs.
- Cultural Hesitations: In many African cultures, discussing death and wills is considered taboo, leading to reluctance in planning for asset distribution.
A Call to Action: How to Protect Your Legacy
It’s time to act. African governments, community organizations, and legal professionals need to raise awareness about the importance of will writing and estate planning. Here’s how families can take steps to secure their legacies:
- Encourage Will Writing: Migrants should be educated about the importance of having a will to ensure their assets are properly distributed.
- Genealogical Support: Families in Africa can receive help in tracing unclaimed estates through partnerships with local and international organizations.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Social and traditional media can play a role in highlighting the importance of estate planning and providing resources for families to access unclaimed estates.
How to Check the List
The UK government maintains a public Unclaimed Estates List that is updated daily. Families can search for potential claims by checking the list online using names, birthplaces, or other identifiers to find out if there are any unclaimed estates linked to their loved ones.
Final Thoughts: Reclaim Your Family’s Legacy
For many Nigerians and Africans in the UK, their unclaimed estates are much more than wealth they represent the story of migration, resilience, and identity. By addressing this issue, families can reclaim their heritage, ensuring that the legacies of those who ventured to the diaspora are never forgotten. Don’t let your family’s story fade away take action today.
