Why a First Son Shouldn’t Die Before His Father || Inheritance and Taboo in Nnewi Tradition

In Nnewi, if a first son dies in front of his father, he automatically relinquishes the leverage due to him as the first son even if he is married and has a son or sons.

I do not know if this practice is the same in other Igbo communities.

In many cultures of the world, it is considered a taboo for parents to bury their children. It is believed that the right order is for children to bury their parents.

I do not know if it is based on the above, that in Nnewi, the family of a first son is denied the line of primogeniture because their father committed the abominable act of rushing off to the underworld before his father.

What Happens When the First Son Dies Before the Father?

As a result of this early exit, the next son in line automatically becomes the family heir.

Here in Nnewi, many Isi Obis came into inheriting the family Obi by their elder brother not knowing when to die.

However, just like many things in life, there is always a but or a trump card.

This Trump card or should I say, veto power, is what we call in Nnewi, Owenu na eke.

This means the owner of a thing reserves the right to share what they own the way they like.

By this traditional clause, a father can decide to override tradition and give his property, Obi or benevolence to anyone he so chooses.

All the man need do is to call a proper meeting of the kinsmen and publicly declare, if tomorrow I am no more, so so and so person, son, grandson, wife, daughter, caregiver, concubine is who I want to be beneficiary of this or that.

Of course, when the man passes, those who feel the householder was not just or did not follow tradition in disposing off his estate may decide to contest this clear instruction.

My friends, herein is one of the root causes of untimely death in Igbo families.

Defying a dead man’s instruction, no matter how wise or foolish, after drinking the wine and eating the Kolanut he presented to make clear his wishes in respect to the state of his affairs once he is gone is the shortest cut to the underworld or the beginning of protracted family feud.

You can read the original post by Nze Tobe Osigwe on his Facebook page here, where he explains the traditional Nnewi inheritance clause ‘Owenu na eke’, the right of a man to distribute his property as he wishes, regardless of cultural norms.

Written by Nze Tobe Osigwe (Ezeikolomuo)

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Nnewi traditions around inheritance are clear, they are not without complexity. The idea that a first son loses his right simply by dying before his father reflects the deep-rooted respect for order, lineage, and ancestral timing in Igbo culture. Yet, with the “Owenu na eke” clause, tradition still makes room for personal choice and fairness, reminding us that a man’s will declared before his kinsmen carries divine and cultural authority. As we continue to honour the ways of our fathers, may wisdom guide every decision made in the Obi, so that peace, not conflict, reigns in our homes long after we are gone.

Read about The Origins of the Nnewi Kingship System||Culture and Traditions