LEGAL PRINCIPLE: APPELLATE PRACTICE — Issue Formulation — Sufficiency of Appellant’s Lone Issue for Determination
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
The appellant's only issue is adequate enough to determine this appeal.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Ogundare, JSC, in Yesufu v. Gov. Edo State & Ors (2001) NLC-701996(SC) at p. 7; Paras A–B.
"The appellant's only issue is adequate enough to determine this appeal. I adopt it."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
A single issue for determination can be sufficient to resolve an appeal. The appellant need not formulate multiple issues if one issue adequately captures the dispute. The court can adopt the appellant’s lone issue. The principle promotes clarity and conciseness in appellate advocacy. The issue must be properly framed from the grounds of appeal. The court may reframe the issue if necessary. The number of issues is not as important as their relevance and precision. The appellant should focus on the real questions in controversy. The court will not dismiss an appeal for having only one issue if it is dispositive. The rule encourages efficient appellate practice.
