ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES IN RIVERS STATE: A LEGAL ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF BENEFICIARIES

Abstract

The laws on administration of estates in Rivers State are geared towards regulating the management Of the estate of deceased persons who die intestate or who leave behind a valid will for which there are no executors. The administrator is required to manage, direct, run, order and control the estate over which he has been appointed He is to settle any debts and other claims against the estate and thereafter divide and distribute the residuary estate among beneficiaries. However, it is not unheard of to have administrators mismanage property; sometimes converting the estate to their private use. This research argues that beneficiaries play a key role in giving life to the laws on administration Of estates. Adopting the doctrinal research method, this study examines case law and legislation on administration of estates in Rivers State, with a view towards highlighting provisions of the law and legal principles that may enable beneficiaries hold administrators Of estates accountable. The research revealed that while the laws on administration of estates in Rivers State are commendable, they have not adequately equipped beneficiaries to enable them more effectively hold administrators Of estates accountable. The article therefore recommends the amendment of some provisions of the law, as beneficiaries when so empowered will aid in giving life to the law on administration of estates in Rivers State.