Pastor Sarah Omakwu, Founder and Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre in Abuja, has sparked widespread debate after declaring that married people should not name their parents or siblings as next of kin, insisting instead that a spouse must be given that role. In a video circulating on social media, Omakwu addressed men directly, warning them against listing their brothers or fathers as next of kin in official records such as employment or financial documents.
Omakwu's Warning to Married Men
“Men, you don’t put your brother or your father as your next of kin,” she said. “Your brother is not going to take care of your children. He will take care of his children first before your children.” The pastor described the practice as unwise, stating: “It is a foolish thing to put your brother and say, ‘But they are my people.’ No, your people are your wife and your children first. They are your next of kin — not your mother, not your father, not your brother.”
Omakwu also extended the same instruction to women, declaring that a husband should be the next of kin for a married woman, rather than her sister or other family members. She advised married couples to avoid listing multiple people as next of kin and instead choose one person — specifically their spouse. “Don’t put two people’s names on the thing,” she said. “Put only your wife’s name. That is the will of God. Any other thing is outside the mind of God.”
Mixed Reactions Online
The remarks have generated mixed reactions on social media, with many Nigerians debating the pastor’s interpretation of family responsibility and the legal meaning of “next of kin.” Some users agreed with her position, arguing that a spouse and children should naturally be prioritised after marriage. Others, however, pointed out that the term “next of kin” is often misunderstood and may not automatically determine who inherits a person’s assets after death.
Legal Perspective on Next of Kin
From a legal standpoint, there is no universal rule that a married person must name their spouse as next of kin. Funmilola M. Onalaja Esq., a Transactional and Advisory Lawyer at Mondial Solicitors, explained that the appropriate choice depends on the purpose for which the information is requested and any applicable legal or contractual requirements. She emphasised that a next of kin is not the same as a legal heir or beneficiary to a person’s property.
“The position of next of kin primarily serves as a point of contact or a person who can be consulted in certain circumstances, such as during emergencies or other administrative matters,” Onalaja said. “A position of next of kin simply means, ‘Who can I reach out to when I can’t reach you?’ It does not by itself transfer inheritance rights.”
Onalaja noted that while it is generally advisable for many married individuals to name their spouse as next of kin, since a spouse is often the closest family member and directly involved in decisions affecting the individual’s welfare and home, there may be legitimate reasons for naming another person, such as a parent, adult child, or sibling. She stressed that the most important consideration is that the choice aligns with the purpose of the document and the individual’s intentions.
“Where the objective is to determine who should inherit property or receive benefits upon death, that should be addressed through a valid will, beneficiary nominations, or other appropriate legal instruments — not merely by naming someone as next of kin,” she added.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Families
This legal clarification has added another layer to the online debate, as many Nigerians reconsider the common assumption that naming a next of kin automatically determines who inherits a person’s property. Despite differing opinions, Omakwu’s comments have once again brought the sensitive topics of family, marriage, and financial planning into public discussion, with many Nigerians reflecting on who they have listed as their next of kin and why.
