LEGAL PRINCIPLE: JURISDICTION — Jurisdiction of Court — Determination of Jurisdiction — Examination of Claim
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
In this regard it must be borne in mind that it is settled law that it is the claim before the court that has to be looked at or examined to ascertain whether or not a Court is possessed with the jurisdiction to hear and determine a matter before it.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Ejiwunmi, JSC Okulate & Ors v. Awosanya & Ors (2000) NLC-1981992(SC) at p. 21; Paras. A–C.
"In this regard it must be borne in mind that it is settled law that it is the claim before the court that has to be looked at or examined to ascertain whether or not a Court is possessed with the jurisdiction to hear and determine a matter before it."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Jurisdiction is determined by examining the plaintiff’s claim as endorsed on the writ or statement of claim. The court looks at the nature of the dispute, the reliefs sought, and the subject matter—not the defendant’s defence or the probable outcome. If the claim falls within the court’s constitutional or statutory jurisdiction, the court has jurisdiction regardless of how the defendant responds. This principle ensures that jurisdiction is assessed objectively at the outset, preventing defendants from ousting jurisdiction by their pleadings. The claim defines the jurisdictional inquiry.