Document background
The Affidavit of Nearest Kin is a fundamental legal instrument in Nigerian law, used when a person needs to formally establish their relationship as the closest living relative to a deceased individual. This document becomes necessary in situations where formal proof of relationship is required, such as accessing bank accounts, claiming insurance benefits, managing estates, or handling other assets of the deceased. The affidavit must be sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths or other authorized official and must comply with the Nigerian Evidence Act 2011 and relevant state laws. It typically contains detailed information about the deceased, the deponent's relationship to the deceased, and a comprehensive list of family members. The document is particularly important in Nigeria's legal context where both statutory and customary laws may apply to inheritance matters, and where formal documentation of family relationships may be limited.
