LEGAL PRINCIPLE: LAND LAW — Customary Tenancy — Forfeiture — Effect of Long Possession by Tenant
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
The issue of the long possession of the appellant and his predecessor to the land cannot under the circumstances vest title.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Musdapher, JSC, in Ogun v. Akinyelu & Ors (2004) NLC-2071999(SC) at p. 10; Paras C–D.
"The issue of the long possession of the appellant and his predecessor to the land cannot under the circumstances vest title."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Long possession by a customary tenant does not vest title in the tenant. Even lengthy occupation cannot convert tenancy into ownership. The principle applies to customary land law. The rule preserves the overlord’s radical title. The tenant remains a tenant regardless of possession duration. The overlord’s title endures despite the tenant’s long possession.
