PRINCIPLE STATEMENT

It is elementary law that rules of court must be obeyed or complied with, as they are not made for fun. Rules of court are meant to be complied with. They regulate matters in court and help parties to present their case for a fair and quick trial. Strict compliance makes for quicker administration of justice.

RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)

Per Tobi, JSC (quoting Sowemimo, JSC in Solanke v. Somefun (1974) 1 SC 141), in Oforkire & Anor v. Maduike & Ors (2003) NLC-971995(SC) at p. 10; Paras B–E.
"It is elementary law that rules of court must be obeyed or complied with, as they are not made for fun. Rules of court are meant to be complied with ... Rules of court are made to be followed. They regulate matters in court and help parties to present their case for purpose of a fair and quick trial. It is the strict compliance with these rules of court that make for quicker administration of justice."
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EXPLANATION / SCOPE

Rules of court must be strictly complied with. The principle applies to all court proceedings. Rules facilitate fair and quick trial. The rule promotes orderly procedure. Non-compliance may have consequences. The principle is fundamental.

CASES APPLYING THIS PRINCIPLE

None recorded.