London/Abuja – A hidden legacy of African migration to the United Kingdom is emerging as hundreds of unclaimed estates, worth millions, remain in the custody of the Crown. These estates, ranging from properties to savings, belong to individuals, many of Nigerian and other African origin, who died in the UK without leaving a will or identifiable next of kin.
The UK government’s regularly updated list of unclaimed estates reveals over 170 entries linked to African-born individuals. For many who sought opportunity in the UK, building wealth and establishing lives, the lack of a will has resulted in their assets being classified as “bona vacantia,” or ownerless goods, and falling to the Crown. Families in Africa are often unaware of these assets, leading to a permanent loss of inheritance and the erasure of personal histories. Cases like that of Adenike Adebiyi, Samuel Emeka Chude, Eugene Bucknor and Solomon Adekanmibi highlight the consequences of dying intestate, with their estates remaining unclaimed due to missing documentation or unidentified relatives.
The issue underscores a significant challenge: the disconnect between migrants and their families back home, often exacerbated by disrupted communication and a reluctance in some African cultures to discuss death and wills. The loss is not just financial, but also a loss of cultural heritage and the stories of those who journeyed to the diaspora. Experts are calling for action from African governments, community organizations, and legal professionals to raise awareness, encourage will writing among migrants, and provide genealogical support to families seeking to trace these unclaimed estates.
The UK government maintains a public Unclaimed Estates List, which can be searched online, offering a potential avenue for families to reclaim their inheritance and ensure the legacies of their loved ones are not forgotten.
See list here:
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