The Cross River State House of Assembly has called on the state government to decentralise probate administration by creating probate registries in Ikom and Ogoja. These registries would serve residents of the Central and Northern Senatorial Districts, respectively.
Motion by Bekwara Lawmaker
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Charles Omang, the member representing Bekwara State Constituency. Omang argued that the current system places an undue burden on citizens seeking probate-related services. He told lawmakers that all applications for Letters of Administration are currently processed through the Probate Department of the High Court in Calabar, forcing residents from across the state to travel long distances.
Omang explained that a Letter of Administration is a legal document issued by a probate court, authorising an individual to manage and distribute the estate of a deceased person who died without leaving a will. He noted that the centralisation of probate services in Calabar has created significant hardship, particularly for residents from the northern and central parts of the state, who often incur huge transportation and accommodation costs while processing estate matters.
Benefits of Decentralisation
The lawmaker maintained that establishing additional probate registries would bring services closer to the people, reduce delays in estate administration, and improve efficiency within the judicial system. Contributing to the debate, several lawmakers highlighted the financial and logistical difficulties faced by bereaved families and beneficiaries who must travel to Calabar for probate documents. They noted that decentralisation would decongest the existing registry in Calabar, accelerate application processing, and enhance public confidence in the justice system.
Safety Concerns
The legislators also cited safety concerns associated with long-distance travel. They recalled an incident where a resident reportedly lost his life in a road accident while travelling from the Northern Senatorial District to Calabar to process a Letter of Administration for a deceased relative.
Assembly Resolution
Following deliberations, the House resolved to call on the state government, through the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice Akon Ikpeme, to initiate necessary administrative and legal measures for establishing probate registries across the senatorial districts. Lawmakers stressed that the move would expand access to justice, improve administrative efficiency, and facilitate timely settlement of estate matters. They expressed optimism that decentralising probate services would ease the burden on citizens and strengthen the delivery of judicial services across the state.
