Ratio Decidendi

Per Onnoghen, JSC, in Military Administrator (Ekiti State) & Ors v. Aladeyelu & Ors (2007) NLC-123-8-2006(SC) at p. 26; Paras D–E:

"A cause of action has been defined by this Court in various cases to mean a factual situation existence of which entitles one person to obtain from the court a remedy against another person."
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Explanation / Scope

A cause of action is the factual situation that entitles a person to seek a remedy from the court against another. It comprises the set of facts that give rise to a legal right and its breach. The cause of action determines when the limitation period begins to run.

Cases Applying This Principle

Military Administrator of Ekiti State & Ors v. Prince Benjamin Adeniyi Aladeyelu & Ors