My uncle sold the land my father was buried on, and I found out at the funeral

Three years ago. We buried my father in Akure on a Friday. By Sunday, I was standing on our family land at Oba-Ile with a surveyor, and the man told me the plot had a new owner. Papers signed. Since 2019.

My uncle. My father's own younger brother. He sold it quietly, collected the money, and was the same person crying loudest at the graveside.

See ehn, I didn't shout. I didn't fight him at the funeral house. My mother was still in black. So I kept quiet, took photos of the documents, and drove back to Lagos that night. 6 hours on that road, radio off, just thinking.

The lawyer route took 14 months. Cost me money I didn't budget for. Family meetings. Accusations. One auntie told me I was 'disgracing the family name.' For asking for what my father left me.

We settled it last year. I got part of it back. Not all. But enough. My uncle and I greet now when we see. That's all.

The lesson? Put your name on paper. Love your family, but put your name on paper.