It is a sworn statement by a man confirming that his lawful wife has passed away. While men in Nigeria generally face fewer social hurdles regarding inheritance compared to women, this document remains legally indispensable for administrative purposes following the death of a spouse.
Administrative and Legal Necessity
When a woman dies, her assets—whether they are bank accounts, shares, landed property, or employment benefits—cannot be automatically accessed by her husband without due process. Financial institutions and the Probate Registry require proof of his status as the surviving spouse to grant him access or to appoint him as an administrator of her estate. If the wife was a civil servant or an employee with pension savings, the husband must present this affidavit to the Pension Fund Administrator to process the death benefits for himself or the children.
Custody and Guardianship
In situations involving young children, schools or travel authorities may require this affidavit to prove that the father is now the sole surviving parent, particularly if previous records required the mother's consent. It establishes his unilateral authority to make decisions for the minors in the absence of the mother.
Drafting the Affidavit
The document must clearly identify the widower, his deceased wife, and the date of her death. It should reference the death certificate (usually attached as an exhibit). It must also confirm that he was married to her at the time of her death and typically states that he has remained a widower since that date (though the requirement of not remarrying is less strictly enforced for men in terms of benefits compared to women, it is still a standard declaration for the immediate period following death).