Will
A legal practitioner, Mr Olumide Olaiya, says there is nothing mystical about writing a will, describing it as a better way of avoiding family disputes in the future.
Olaiya, who is the Co-Founder of Castle eWill & Trust, emphasised that estate planning often gave families clarity and prevented disputes, as Nigerians must not leave loved ones to guess their wishes.
He spoke on Thursday, at the unveiling of Castle eWill & Trust, a digital platform designed to make will writing and trust creation more accessible and convenient.
He said the initiative was driven by the need to simplify estate planning and encourage Nigerians to take responsibility for how their assets were managed after death.
“At its core, will writing is about clarity, putting structure around what you have worked for, and giving those who depend on your greater certainty,” he said.
Olaiya stressed the importance of planning ahead, with biblical allusion to Isaiah 38:1, “Set your house in order,” and Proverbs 13:22, ” A good man leaves inheritance for his children’s children.”
According to him, added even the Holy Qur’an, support estate planning, noting that it encouraged individuals to prepare their “Wasiya” settle obligations and protect their families.
He said many Nigerians worked hard to build homes, businesses and savings, yet postponed decisions on how such assets should be managed.
“In our culture, speaking about a will can feel uncomfortable, but making one gives clarity, preserves peace and protects family dignity,” he said.
Olaiya said Castle eWill & Trust was created to change misconceptions about wills, noting that “writing a will does not mean expecting death, but taking responsibility for life.”
He said: “To some, wills are for the wealthy or elderly, but if anyone depends on you or you own anything, you need a plan.”
The legal practitioner added that assumptions that family members already understood one’s wishes could lead to disputes, stressing that written instructions provided stronger guidance.
“Do not leave your family to interpret your silence. Your legacy is not just assets, but the order and peace you leave behind,” he said.
Olaiya said the platform allowed users to organise their wishes, explore estate planning options and access guidance on wills, trusts and probate matters.
He said the platform included security features such as data encryption, identity verification and QR code authentication for wills.
“Every file is encrypted, identity is verified, and each Will generated carries a QR code to confirm authenticity and version history,” he said.
He added that users were prompted to review their wills periodically or after major life events such as marriage, childbirth or property acquisition.
Olaiya also addressed concerns within the legal profession, noting that the platform would not replace lawyers but expand opportunities.
“We are not trying to divide an existing cake, but to bake a bigger one by increasing estate planning adoption in Nigeria,” he said.
He noted that with over 200 million Nigerians and about 125 million adults, only a small percentage currently engaged in estate planning.
The Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch, Mr Adeniyi Quadri, commended the founders of the initiative noting that technology had become inevitable in modern legal practice.
Quadri, who was represented by Mr Ayodeji Olabiwonnu, the General Secretary of the NBA, Ikeja Branch, noted that resistance to technology among legal practitioners was gradually fading, as digital tools were proving to enhance productivity rather than replace lawyers.
“Technology has come to stay, and lawyers do not have a choice but to embrace it. Every aspect of our practice is being transformed,” he said.
He said that platforms like Castle eWill and Trust could help address low adoption of estate planning in Nigeria by simplifying the process for individuals.
Mr Abiodun Fari-Arole, the Special Adviser to Ogun Governor on Housing, described the platform as innovative.
Fari-Arole emphasised the need for legal validity, safeguards and secure custody of executed wills.
Also in his remarks, Mr Adejare Olaoluwa, a Financial Executive and former Managing Director, Bank of Industry, called for professional safeguards and certification to boost public confidence in digital estate planning platforms.
Olaoluwa urged legal professionals to embrace technology, noting that digital transformation was inevitable.
“Technology will impact every profession. It is better to embrace it than resist it,” he said.
Also speaking, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former NBA General Secretary, Mr Dele Adesina, emphasised the sensitivity of wills and the need for strong security measures.
He said: “A will is a delicate instrument, and access must be strictly controlled to prevent disputes.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlight of the ceremony was a demonstration of the platform, as stakeholders expressed optimism about its potential to transform estate planning in Nigeria. (NAN)
