LEGAL PRINCIPLE: EVIDENCE LAW — Documentary Evidence — Deed of Conveyance — Oral Evidence Cannot Contradict
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
A properly executed deed of conveyance is documentary evidence of the land transaction, and oral evidence will not be accepted to contradict the documentary evidence.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Musdapher, JSC, in Owhonda v. Ekpechi (2003) NLC-1981999(SC) at p. 16; Paras A–B.
"Exhibit P1 is a properly executed document evidencing the land transaction and, oral evidence will not be accepted to contradict the documentary evidence."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Oral evidence cannot contradict a written deed. The principle applies to the parol evidence rule. The written document is the best evidence. The rule ensures certainty. The court will rely on the deed. The principle is well-established.