Faith Nyasuguta
The United Kingdom is set to seize over 170 unclaimed properties belonging to deceased African migrants. These estates, classified as “bona vacantia” (ownerless goods), include properties, savings, and other valuable assets. The UK government has taken custody of these estates since the deceased individuals failed to leave behind wills or identify next of kin. Nigerians constitute a significant portion of these cases, shedding light on the challenges faced by African migrants in protecting their legacies abroad.
Unclaimed estates frequently appear on the UK government’s bona vacantia list. Some notable cases include Adenike Adebiyi, who passed away in Hackney in 2004, and Solomon Adekanmibi, who died in Colchester in 2021. Both individuals left behind unclaimed assets due to the absence of legal documentation to transfer ownership to their families. If no heirs claim the property within a set period, ownership transfers permanently to the UK government.
This situation exposes cultural and systemic challenges among African migrants. Estate planning and drafting wills are often overlooked due to cultural taboos surrounding discussions of death. Additionally, the lack of legal awareness or accessibility to professional advice among many African migrants exacerbates the problem. For families back in Africa, this results in an irreversible loss of wealth and opportunities for generational prosperity.
Advocates have called for improved awareness and proactive measures to address the issue. African governments, diaspora organizations, and legal professionals are being urged to educate migrants on the importance of drafting wills and identifying next of kin. Genealogical services could also help families in Africa claim unclaimed estates abroad, while media campaigns could better inform communities about their rights and resources.
For families seeking to recover unclaimed assets, the UK government provides resources and guidelines through its Treasury Solicitor’s Department. They can submit evidence proving their relationship to the deceased to reclaim these estates before the ownership becomes permanent.
The seizure of unclaimed estates is a wake-up call for migrants to prioritize estate planning and legal documentation. Such measures can ensure that assets are preserved for future generations and prevent the permanent loss of valuable properties. Addressing this issue requires cultural shifts, community action, and accessible legal support to protect the wealth of African migrants and their families.
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