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Understanding Property Titles and Documents in Nigeria by Dennis Isong

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Understanding Property Titles and Documents in Nigeria by Dennis Isong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That Being a property owner in Nigeria is a big accomplishment and a wise investment. But managing the complexity of property ownership necessitates a thorough comprehension of papers and property titles. These records are vital for preserving property rights since they act as official proof of ownership. This article explores the several kinds of property titles and documents that are available in Nigeria, their significance, and the ways in which they support safe real estate transactions.

 

 

 

 

Understanding Property Titles and Documents in Nigeria by Dennis Isong

 

 

 

1. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O):

A Certificate of Occupancy is perhaps the most crucial document when it comes to land ownership in Nigeria. It is issued by the state government and serves as proof of ownership and the right to use the land for a specific purpose. The process of obtaining a C of O involves the applicant submitting an application to the state government, which then conducts due diligence to verify the legitimacy of the claim to the land. Once issued, the C of O grants the holder exclusive rights to use and develop the land.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Deed of Assignment:

 

A Deed of Assignment is a legal document that transfers ownership of property from one party to another. It typically outlines the details of the transfer, including the names of the parties involved, a description of the property, and any conditions or considerations attached to the transfer. This document is crucial for formalizing the sale or transfer of property rights and should be duly executed and registered with the appropriate government authority to ensure its validity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Deed of Conveyance:

Similar to a Deed of Assignment, a Deed of Conveyance is used to transfer ownership of property. However, unlike the Deed of Assignment, which is commonly used for the transfer of leasehold interests, the Deed of Conveyance is used for the transfer of freehold interests. It is typically executed between the seller (grantor) and the buyer (grantee) and includes details such as the purchase price, description of the property, and any covenants or warranties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Survey Plan:

A Survey Plan is a document that shows the accurate boundaries and measurements of a piece of land. It is prepared by a licensed surveyor and is essential for verifying the exact location and dimensions of a property. A Survey Plan is often required during the process of obtaining a C of O or when transferring property ownership to ensure that there are no boundary disputes or encroachments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Power of Attorney:

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that grants someone else the authority to act on behalf of the property owner. It is commonly used in situations where the property owner is unable to handle their affairs due to illness, absence, or other reasons. A Power of Attorney can be limited or general in scope, depending on the specific powers granted to the attorney-in-fact.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Significance of Property Titles: Safeguarding Your Investment

 

 

Legal Ownership:

Property titles serve as incontrovertible evidence of legal ownership. They establish the rightful owner of the property and delineate the boundaries of their ownership rights. Without a valid title, one cannot claim ownership of a property, leaving them vulnerable to disputes and challenges regarding ownership.

 

 

 

Protection of Property Rights:

Property titles provide protection against encroachments and unauthorized claims to the property. They offer a legal shield against potential disputes, ensuring that the owner’s rights are recognized and respected by others. With a clear title, property owners can confidently assert their ownership rights and defend against any attempts to infringe upon them.

 

 

 

Facilitation of Transactions:

Clear and valid property titles facilitate smooth and efficient real estate transactions. When buying or selling property, a clean title provides assurance to both parties that the transaction is legitimate and free from any encumbrances or defects. It instills confidence in buyers and lenders, making it easier to secure financing and close the deal.

 

 

 

Legal Certainty:

Property titles provide legal certainty by establishing a chain of ownership that can be traced back through time. They document the history of the property, including previous transfers of ownership, mortgages, liens, and other encumbrances. This historical record ensures transparency and clarity regarding the property’s status, enabling informed decision-making by prospective buyers and lenders.

 

 

 

Access to Legal Remedies:

In the event of a dispute or legal challenge regarding property ownership, a valid title provides the basis for seeking legal remedies and resolution. Property owners with clear titles can avail themselves of legal avenues to defend their rights and rectify any discrepancies or irregularities affecting their ownership. This access to legal recourse is essential for protecting investments and preserving property rights.

 

 

 

Peace of Mind:

Perhaps most importantly, property titles offer peace of mind to owners, knowing that their investment is secure and their ownership rights are legally recognized. With a clear title in hand, property owners can confidently enjoy the benefits of homeownership, such as occupancy, development, and transferability, without fear of adverse claims or challenges.

 

 

 

The Implications of Not Acquiring Property Titles in Nigeria: Risks and Consequences

 

 

 

 

Lack of Legal Ownership:

One of the most significant implications of not acquiring property titles is the lack of legal ownership. Without proper documentation, individuals cannot assert their ownership rights over the property, leaving them vulnerable to claims by other parties. This lack of legal ownership can lead to disputes, litigation, and the loss of investment in the property.

 

 

 

Insecurity of Tenure:

Property titles provide security of tenure, guaranteeing the owner’s right to occupy and use the property without fear of eviction or interference. Without proper titles, individuals face uncertainty regarding their tenure, making them susceptible to arbitrary eviction or displacement by third parties claiming ownership rights. This insecurity of tenure can disrupt lives, businesses, and communities, leading to social and economic instability.

 

 

 

Difficulty in Transacting:

Acquiring property titles is essential for facilitating real estate transactions, such as buying, selling, or leasing property. Without clear titles, individuals encounter difficulties in transacting, as potential buyers or lenders may be reluctant to engage in deals involving properties with uncertain ownership status. This can impede economic development and hinder investment in the real estate sector.

 

 

 

Limited Access to Credit:

Property titles serve as collateral for obtaining loans and credit from financial institutions. Without proper titles, individuals have limited access to credit, as lenders are unwilling to accept properties with unclear ownership as collateral. This lack of access to credit hampers economic growth and development, as it constrains individuals’ ability to invest in property development and other productive ventures.

 

 

 

Vulnerability to Fraud and Exploitation:

In the absence of property titles, individuals are vulnerable to fraud and exploitation by unscrupulous actors seeking to exploit their lack of legal protection. Fraudulent schemes such as land grabbing, forgery of documents, and illegal sales thrive in environments where property titles are not properly established. This exposes unsuspecting individuals to financial loss and legal entanglements.

 

 

 

Legal and Regulatory Risks:

Failure to acquire property titles exposes individuals to legal and regulatory risks, as they may be in violation of laws and regulations governing property ownership and transactions. Government authorities may take enforcement actions against individuals occupying or developing property without proper titles, leading to fines, penalties, or even demolition of structures.

 

 

 

 

Dennis Isong is a TOP REALTOR IN LAGOS.He Helps Nigerians in Diaspora to Own Property In Lagos Nigeria STRESS-FREE. For Questions WhatsApp/Call 2348164741041

 

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Mohbad: Lawyer Distances Himself from GoFundMe

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Mohbad: Lawyer Distances Himself from GoFundMe

Mohbad: Lawyer Distances Himself from GoFundMe, Says Toxicology Test Was Done Free of Charge

Lagos, Nigeria — April 16, 2025Mr. Taiwo Odumosu, a lawyer who previously represented the family of the late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has publicly dissociated himself from a GoFundMe account created in support of the investigation into the singer’s death.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to PUNCH Metro, Odumosu clarified that he had no involvement in any financial transactions related to the autopsy or toxicology analysis, stressing that the family handled all payments directly with the pathologist.

“At no point was any payment routed through me or my law office. Mr. Famuyiwa made the payment directly to the pathologist,” he stated. “I wish to state clearly that I know nothing about the GoFundMe account. I am neither in charge of nor a signatory to the account created for Mohbad’s cause.”

Odumosu also revealed a significant development—that the toxicology test on the late singer’s remains was conducted free of charge by a foreign laboratory in Europe. He urged the family to be transparent about the remaining funds in the GoFundMe account.

“At a meeting attended by both Mr. Famuyiwa and me, the pathologist disclosed that the European laboratory that conducted the toxicology test did so free of charge. Accordingly, the family should publicly disclose how the remaining funds in the GoFundMe account have been managed,” he explained.

Pathologist Praised, Defamation Decried

The lawyer expressed dismay at the spread of misinformation and what he described as targeted defamation against himself and the forensic expert who took on the case, calling it “unwarranted and damaging.”

“The pathologist showed remarkable courage by engaging with a case that many colleagues hesitated to touch, due to its sensitive and high-profile nature,” Odumosu said, defending the credibility of the forensic process.

He affirmed that the post-mortem and toxicology procedures were handled with integrity, insisting that justice would ultimately prevail—not only for Mohbad but also for those unjustly accused.

“To the best of my knowledge, the post-mortem examination was conducted with utmost professionalism. Justice will prevail, not just for Mohbad, but against all who attempt to twist the truth and defame those who stand for it,” Odumosu concluded.

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Lagos Assembly Calls For Full Implementation of Tenancy Law

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Lagos Assembly Calls For Full Implementation of Tenancy Law

 

 

The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to enforce the Tenancy Law of Lagos State 2015 to deter landlords from the arbitrary and illegal practice of unregulated rent increase in the state. The House also resolved to call on the Commissioner for Information and Strategy to rev up sensitisation and awareness activities about the provisions of the Tenancy Law.

This resolution was reached during plenary on Tuesday after a motion by Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, the member representing Ajeromi Ifelodun Constituency 1, on the need to curb excessive rent increments by landlords, which he said have led to an increase in the number of homeless people across the state. Hon. Olumoh cited Section 37 of the Tenancy Law of 2015, which prohibits unreasonable rent increases and provides legal protection for tenants against this act by landlords.

Indeed, the Lagos State Tenancy Law 2015 aims to protect tenants and landlords in the state by outlining the rights and obligations of both parties, including provisions for rent payment, notice periods for termination of tenancy, and dispute resolution. The law also sets a limit on how much rent can be paid in advance and prohibits landlords from using ‘self-help’ methods to evict tenants.

The member representing Surulere Constituency 1, Hon. Desmond Elliot, seconded the motion, complaining that because of the infrastructural development and renewal designed to make life easier for his constituents, rents have, conversely, skyrocketed. He described this as a menace to society and called for urgent action by the House as “the last hope of the common man.”

In his contribution, Hon. Aro Moshood slammed the fact that many landlords in Lagos State raise rent without considering the income of their tenants, while the law states that the landlord cannot do so without duly serving the tenant prior notification. The member representing Ikorodu Constituency 11 further condemned the eviction of occupants without going through the legal process as stipulated in the Law, saying, “Many people earning minimum wage cannot afford to get a room for themselves.”

However, Hon. Shabi Adebola (Lagos Mainland 11 Constituency) called for circumspection in enforcing the law because of the corresponding increase in the prices of building materials. He implored the government to live up to expectations by providing Low-Cost Housing to the less privileged in the state.

Similarly, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, described the issue as sensitive, stating, “Nothing should be looked at in isolation. We need to go beyond the issue of rent increment and consider the cost of building materials. There is a need for an interface between the real estate agents and investors.”

To this end, Speaker Obasa directed the Committee on Housing, chaired by Hon. Ege Olusegun (Ojo Constituency 1), to invite Hon. Olumoh and Hon. Elliot, and all concerned stakeholders and related agencies to meet and find a lasting solution to this menace.

In another development, the House passed the bill for a law to establish the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, which aims to provide for the development of young persons for leadership purposes in the state while nurturing the next generation of value-based Nigerian leaders. Subsequently, the Speaker directed the Acting Clerk, Mr. Abubakar Otun, to send a clean copy of the Bill to the governor for assent.

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My lineage is entitled to Alaketu -Epe throne- Akeem Oluwo

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My lineage is entitled to Alaketu -Epe throne- Akeem Oluwo

My lineage is entitled to Alaketu -Epe throne- Akeem Oluwo

… Dismisses allegations of land grabbing in Ketu-Epe

Following the kinship tussle going on in Ketu -Epe in Ejinrin Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, Agbon of Ketu- Epeland, Chief Akeem Oluwo has said that he is a royal blood from the Ateshimara lineage and that was why he was designated as Alaketu -Epe Elect.

My lineage is entitled to Alaketu -Epe throne- Akeem Oluwo

Chief Oluwo stated this to set record straight delving into historical lineages of the traditional stool of Ketu-Epe land, stated that he was installed as Agbon of Ketu-Epe land in 2006 by Adegboyega Adefowora, he explained that the royal battle started after demise of Adegboyega Adefowora who reigned in the town for 18years.

He dismissed the claim of Prince Babajide Adekoya Adefowora that it is only the Adefowora family that is entitled to the Alaketu Epe throne.

Setting the record straight in his narration recently, the Agbon of Ketu – Epeland said he was chosen as the Alaketu designate by the oracle, ifa and the people of town.

” On branch and the ruling houses, Osokeji Atesimara was the founder of Ketu Epe. He had one children called Adeniran. Adeniran had two wives and birthed four children.
Three from the first wife who he married from ijasin.The children of the first wife were Efunderu, Adeona, and otuwunmi and the second wife married from ilese gave birth to one child named Lijero,a male child.

Otuwunmi was a woman who got married to two husbands. Her first husband was from Ejinrin while the second husband she married later was from Epe.

Otuwunmi gave birth to three male children for the first husband, namely; Efusu, Emusu and Ogunderu and Rufai who happened to be the fourth child for the second husband.Rufai Alias Adefowora.

Second one was a female , Ajayi. And in Otuwunmi lineage, Efusu was one that gave birth to my grand father which was dehinde, the first son from Efusu. So those saying it is only one ruling House entitled to Alaketu -Epe throne are not saying the truth.

“The untimely death of Adeyemi Adefowora who was killed in 1999, fifteen days to his coronation led to the other lineages compensating the Adefowora again with the kingship and this time around, the son of the deceased junior brother, Adegboyega Adefowora was installed again despite that Sarafa Sonubi was initially picked.
Adegboyega Adefowora reigned for eighteen years and in 2015, this same Babajide came all way from UK , rallied support, went to the media, accused his brother king of high-handedness and he called for his dethrone ment. He even solicited my support on this, but I refused his entreaties and remained a staunch supporter and loyalist of late Adegboyega Adefowora.

” After the death of Adegboyega, their family were non challant about the burial,the town did the normal rite. Ketu Epe has no Palace building,
every king had used own family house as Palace. Oba Kareem reigned in my grandfather house, he rebuilt it.

On the issue rushing to build a Palace, I am not the one building it. It was the community. It was even called a temporary Palace built with joint efforts and contributions of all. I am the sole candidate of the Osokeji Atesimara.

The declaration was made in the name and court affirmed that Adeniran had four children”
Explaining further, Oluwo said”After the event that involved all the town leading to my selection, Jide’s mother and those concerned were at the town hall for the meeting. They too covered it.
The oracle picked me.

The Osugbos assented to it. The Oluwo,Apena were on ground. Eleku, Akanlowo and Araba as well.

Two years ago , all processes and procedures had been on going and I was about to get staff of office that injunction came and the process stalled.

On Babajide’s visit to Ooni, “he was just a visitor. The visit was baseless”.

Akeem Oluwo while responding to the allegations of being a land grabber who has been bringing thugs causing mayhem in the town ,said” They are just calling themselves bad names. Babajide supporters are the one behind all these.

They did it during the reign of Late Adegboyega. They locked up my brother at Elemoro. I am just a land administrator for the family and never a land grabber. I am a peace loving person. Who do I reign over if I should be disturbing the peace of my town, security and safety of the people? They are just saying what they like on the social media” he concluded.

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