Under the Igbo family system, the position of the first born is of utmost importance and it is on it that is based kingship system, chieftaincy institutions and inheritance and succession. The objective this paper is on the rule of primogeniture in the Igboland as applied in their customary law of succession. The method of research is doctrinal. It is the finding of the paper that the exclusion of women from inheritance on the ground of gender is not only a clear violation of the 1999 Constitution but also is a form of discrimination that entrenches old notions of patriarchy and male domination incompatible with the guarantee of equality under the constitutional order. It is the further finding of fact that it violates the right of women to human dignity. Thus, the customary law of inheritance is not only detrimental to the well-being of women and their children, but also in violation of international human rights norms, where Nigeria is a signatory to relevant international human rights treaties. It is concluded that it is regrettable
that the customary laws of inheritance which deny women the right to the prperty of their husbands and fathers have remained static inspite of the provisions of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and international instruments.
Keywords: Customary law, human rights, inheritance, property, primogeniture, succession.