LEGAL PRINCIPLE: LAND LAW – Registration of Titles – Effect of Registration – Indefeasibility of Title
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
Registration of a person as owner of freehold land vests in that person an estate in fee simple, free from all other estates whatsoever, including those of the State.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Ogwuegbu, JSC, in Onagoruwa v. Akinremi & Ors (2001) NLC-1911997(SC) at p. 18; Paras A–B.
"Save as in this Law mentioned - (a) registration of any person as owner of freehold land shall vest in that person an estate in fee simple in that land, together with all buildings, erections, fixtures commons, hedges, ditches, fences, ways, liberties, privileges, easements, rights, and advantages whatsoever, a pertaining or reputed to appertain to the land, or any part thereof, or at the time a/registration demised, occupied or enjoyed with or reputed or known as part or parcel of or appurtenant to, the land or any part thereof, and free from all estates whatsoever, including those of the State."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Registration under the Registration of Titles Law vests in the registered owner an indefeasible estate in fee simple, free from all other estates—including those of the State. The registration confers not only the land but all appurtenances (buildings, fixtures, easements, privileges). The title is guaranteed by the State. The registered owner’s interest is paramount against all unregistered interests. The principle ensures certainty in land transactions. A purchaser need only check the register—not investigate the history of title. The indefeasibility is subject only to fraud or specific statutory exceptions. The register is conclusive evidence of title. This promotes marketability of land.