LEGAL PRINCIPLE: STATUTORY INTERPRETATION — Construction of Statute — Literal Rule Where Words Are Clear and Unambiguous
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
It is a cardinal principle in the construction of a statute that where the words of a statute are clear or unambiguous, those words shall be so construed as to give effect to their ordinary or literal meaning and enforced accordingly.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Edozie, JSC, in Ibrahim v. Ojomo & Ors (2004) NLC-2492000(SC) at pp. 11–12; Paras E–A.
"It is a cardinal principle in the construction of a statute that where the words of a statute are clear or unambiguous, those words shall be so construed as to give effect to their ordinary or literal meaning and enforced accordingly."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Clear and unambiguous statutory words must be given their ordinary literal meaning. Courts enforce the words as written. The principle applies to statutory interpretation. The rule prevents judicial departure from plain legislative language. No further construction is needed when words are clear. Courts must respect the literal meaning.
