Let’s discuss, do you have a will (2)?

In my previous column(last Saturday), I delved into the topic of Will and sparked extensive discussion, resulting in various perspectives.

One prevailing sentiment suggests that it may be wise to consider donating a significant portion of one’s assets while still alive, if practical and feasible. Personally, “I share this viewpoint and would prefer to give away most of my accumulated wealth during my lifetime,” as explained by one of my ardent readers. She further explained that this approach would not only allow her to witness how her children handle the remaining assets but also aims to avoid scenarios similar to that of the late Chief FRA Williams’ family, where despite their education, the children continue to engage in disputes over their father’s properties even after many years.

For those unfamiliar with the William family’s story, it centers around an ongoing and bitter legal battle over their family estate, valued at over 20 billion naira.

The family comprises four sons from the same parents, the late FRA Williams and Chief (Mrs.) Beatrice Ola Rotimi Williams. The feud over the estate has persisted since the father’s death fifteen years ago, extending even to the grandchildren of the late Chief.

Despite attempts by the legal community to intervene, the conflicts within the Williams family remain unresolved. The late Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, refrained from hearing the family’s cases out of deep respect for the late legal icon. A committee of retired Justices, senior lawyers, and clergy was constituted to mediate the issues between the siblings, but their efforts proved futile.

The siblings’ inability to settle their disputes is disconcerting, especially considering their legal background in resolving conflicts for others.

The late Chief William’s substantial estate includes properties in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, Luxury cars; 2 Rolls Royce cars, 1 Daimler Limousine car,I Mercedes E Class black station wagon car, Mercedes 600 V.12. Shares standing in the name of Chief FRA Williams, SAN, CFR amounting to over twenty-six billion (N26,379,7487,749) as at November 23, 2005. Over nine million (9,920,000) shares in United Investment Limited. Books and office equipment including furniture in Chief Rotimi Williams Chambers, Palm Groove House, Ilupeju, Lagos, acquired before March 26, 2005. Various bank accounts in Nigeria, and the United Kingdom. Funds standing to the credit of the estate at Barclays Bank, Jersey, United Kingdom of millions of pounds sterling.

Given this unfortunate situation, it raises the question of why the siblings have been fighting for the past fifteen years since their father’s passing. This leads us to contemplate whether it might be more prudent to share some assets with our children while we are still alive, in order to prevent potential animosity and misunderstandings about our desires for their well-being, to avoid family disputes, which may help prevent potential animosity and disputes among family members after the donor’s passing. By openly communicating and distributing assets during the donor’s lifetime, everyone involved can understand and be part of the decision-making process.

I also believe this will give some clarity on the Intent of the donor. The donor can express their intentions and desires regarding the distribution of assets directly to their loved ones. This can reduce the chances of misunderstandings or misinterpretations about the donor’s wishes, as there is an opportunity for open discussion and clarification.

Let’s engage in a discussion about this matter, I look forward to reading your thoughts on whether early distribution of assets might be a solution to avoid prolonged family disputes and promote harmony among loved ones or not.

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