LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CIVIL PROCEDURE — Res Judicata — Issue Estoppel — Binding Effect of Determined Issues
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
Where one or more of such issues have been distinctly raised in a cause of action and appropriately resolved or determined between the same parties in a court of competent jurisdiction, as a general rule, neither party nor his servant, agent or privy is allowed to re-open or re-litigate that or those decided issues all over again in another action between the same parties or their agents or privies on the same issues.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Iguh, JSC Oshodi v. Eyifunmi (2000) NLC-531995(SC) at p. 20; Paras. C–D.
"Where one or more of such issues have been distinctly raised in a cause of action and appropriately resolved or determined between the same parties in a court of competent jurisdiction, as a general rule, neither party nor his servant, agent or privy is allowed to re-open or re-litigate that or those decided issues all over again in another action between the same parties or their agents or privies on the same issues."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Issue estoppel bars relitigation of issues previously determined between the same parties or their privies. Once an issue is distinctly raised and finally resolved by a competent court, neither party may re-open it in subsequent proceedings—whether the same cause of action or a different one. This extends to servants, agents, and privies who are bound by the prior determination. The rule promotes finality, prevents inconsistent decisions, and conserves judicial resources. It applies regardless of whether the issue was the central claim or an incidental finding, provided it was essential to the prior judgment.