LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CIVIL PROCEDURE — Locus Standi — Proof of Membership in a Ruling House as a Precondition to Challenging Chieftaincy Nomination
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
When a plaintiff is found not to have standing to sue, the question whether other issues in the case had been properly determined or not does not arise.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Ayoola, JSC, in A.G., Ekiti State & Ors v. Daramola & Ors (2003) NLC-1002000(SC) at p. 15; Paras A–B.
"When a plaintiff had been found not to have a standing to sue, the question whether other issues in the case had been properly determined or not does not arise."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Locus standi is a threshold issue. The principle applies to all civil proceedings. If the plaintiff lacks standing, the court need not consider other issues. The rule promotes judicial efficiency. The action must be struck out. The principle is fundamental.
