Section 43, Cap 45

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Ordinance,where any native dies intestate leaving assets in Sierra Leone which are not within the jurisdiction of any Native Court the distribution of such assets after payment of the debts of the deceased and the costs of administration shall be according to native law and custom. (2) Where the Official Administrator administers any such estate he shall request the District Commissioner to ascertain from the Native Court of the area to which the deceased belonged the names of the persons entitled to the balance of the estate and on such names being certified to him by the District Commissioner shall pay such balance to the persons so named. (3) Where the District Commissioner certifies that there are no known persons entitled by native law and custom to the balance of the estate and there appears to be any person or persons who were dependent on the deceased or who would have been entitled had the deceased been a non-native, the Governor may direct the Official Administrator to pay the balance of the estate to such person or persons in such proportions as he may think equitable. (4) The receipt of the persons certified by the District Commissioner or of the persons to whom the Governor directs that payment shall be made, as the case may be, shall be a valid and effectual discharge in favour of the Official Administrator against all persons whatsoever in respect of the balance of the estate so paid over. GENERAL.