The succession of Zacharie Noah, a former Cameroonian international footballer, is at the heart of a family dispute that is taking a legal turn in Yaoundé. A summons has been issued to Me Pierre Alexis Bayebec, a lawyer representing some of the heiresses, rekindling tensions around this already complex case.
At the center of the dispute are allegations of disinheritance and a land title dated January 24, 2017, 16 days after Zacharie Noah's death on January 8, 2017. This timeline raises questions about the regularity of the transaction, fueling suspicions of manipulation. Yannick Noah's sisters, Nathalie and Isabelle, are claiming more than two million euros from the former tennis champion and singer, accusing him of appropriating all of the assets left by their father.
Me Bayebec had recalled the fundamental principle of Cameroonian inheritance law, which prohibits disinheriting one's children. According to the plaintiffs' lawyer, Zacharie Noah sold all of his land to his son before his death, a transaction contested by the sisters who were allegedly never consulted. They consider this sale to be a form of illegal disinheritance.
In response to the accusations, Yannick Noah's lawyers claim that Isabelle Noah suffers from psychological problems and is voluntarily reclusive, while being taken care of by her brother. They issued a statement disputing the allegations and presenting Yannick Noah as the legitimate head of the family.
The Cameroonian justice system will therefore have to rule on the validity of this land title and determine whether inheritance rules have been respected. The case continues to generate reactions and could lead to further legal proceedings.
