The Property Lawyer

21/05/2026

Many land buyers focus on price, location, and appearance of , but ignore the most important step: CHECKING THE LAND STATUS .

That mistake has cost many investors their money and properties.

In , land can fall under government acquisition, meaning the has taken or reserved that land for public use.

Once this happens, private ownership becomes restricted or completely invalid, depending on the circumstances.

Buying such land without proper verification is risky, even if:

➡️The seller looks genuine

➡️You are given receipts or allocation papers

➡️The land appears physically free

➡️Others are already building nearby

None of these guarantees legal safety.

Government acquisition is real and enforceable.

It can affect development, ownership, and even lead to demolition or loss of investment.

That is why land status verification is not optional.

It is essential.

Before buying any land, always ensure:

1️⃣A proper land registry search is conducted

2️⃣The status of the land is clearly confirmed

3️⃣You verify whether it is free, committed, or under acquisition

4️⃣A legal professional reviews the documents

A simple check today can prevent a lifetime loss tomorrow.

Do not assume. Do not rush. Verify first.

If this post was helpful, kindly like, share, and drop your thoughts in the comments.

For enquiries, land verification, or proper legal guidance before purchasing any property, call the property lawyer .

One proper check today can protect your investment for years.

Akinbayowa Morakinyo Esq ®️✍🏿

20/05/2026

19/05/2026

Many tenants believe that once a landlord increases , they have no choice but to accept it immediately.

That is not always correct.

Under Section 37 of the Lagos State Tenancy Law, a tenant has the right to apply to court where there is an unreasonable increase in rent.

The law provides:
“A tenant may apply to the Court for an order declaring that the increase in rent payable under a tenancy agreement is unreasonable.”

This means a cannot simply wake up and impose any amount without the possibility of legal scrutiny.

The court can examine whether the increase is fair or excessive based on the circumstances.

In deciding this, the court may consider factors such as:

1️⃣The condition of the
2️⃣The location of the property
3️⃣Prevailing rent in similar areas
4️⃣Existing terms of the tenancy
5️⃣Economic realities and fairnes

This does not mean landlords cannot increase rent.

It simply means that rent increase should not become oppressive, arbitrary, or completely disconnected from reason.

Both landlords and tenants must act fairly.

For tenants, the lesson is simple:

⏩Do not assume every increase is untouchable under the law.

For landlords, the message is also important:
➡️A reasonable approach often prevents unnecessary disputes and litigation.

The best tenancy relationships are built on fairness, communication, and proper legal understanding.

If this post was insightful, kindly like, share, and tell us your thoughts in the comments.

For guidance on tenancy disputes, rent increase issues, eviction procedure, or landlord-tenant rights, call the property lawyer.

Understanding your rights early can save you from bigger problems later.

Akinbayowa Morakinyo Esq ®️✍🏿

13/05/2026

12/05/2026

Many people believe that once they pay for land, they automatically have the right to enter, fence, build, or take possession.

That assumption can become a serious legal problem.

In many property transactions, buyers unknowingly enter land unlawfully because they fail to verify ownership, authority, or the legal status of the property before taking possession.

Some buyers rely only on receipts, verbal assurances, or allocation papers.

Others are pushed by agents or sellers to move quickly without proper checks.

That is where danger begins.

Under Section 4(3) of the Lagos State Property Protection Law, the law provides:
“Any person who knowingly enters into any landed property without lawful authority or remains thereon after being required to leave by the owner or lawful occupier commits an offence.”

This means payment alone may not protect a buyer if the seller had no right to sell or if the buyer entered the property without proper lawful authority.

A buyer can unknowingly become an illegal occupant when:

a. The land was sold by the wrong person

b. The property is under dispute

c. The seller had no valid title

d. Multiple people were sold the same land

e. The buyer entered before proper transfer or verification

Many investors only discover this after confrontation, police invitation, court action, or demolition threats.

The painful part is this:

Some buyers are victims of fraud, yet their actions on the land may still create legal consequences.

This is why due diligence is not optional in property transactions.

Before taking possession of any land:

1️⃣Verify ownership properly

2️⃣Confirm the seller’s authority

3️⃣Conduct land registry search

4️⃣Review all documents carefully

5️⃣Engage a property lawyer before payment or possession

Do not let excitement push you into avoidable trouble.

The safest buyer is not the fastest buyer.

The safest buyer is the most careful buyer.

If this post was insightful, kindly like, share, and join the discussion in the comments.

For enquiries, land verification, title review, or safe property acquisition guidance, call the property lawyer on +2347063403853.

One proper legal check today can protect your investment and your peace tomorrow.

Akinbayowa Morakinyo Esq ®️✍🏿

11/05/2026

Many people believe that once a property belongs to them, they can do anything to recover it.

That belief has put many people in serious legal trouble.

In property disputes, taking the law into your own hands can lead to arrest, prosecution, and even imprisonment.

Some landlords lock out tenants illegally.

Some landowners use thugs to forcefully take possession.

Some agents invade properties with violence, intimidation, or destruction.

These actions are commonly called “self help.”

Under Section 2(1) of the Lagos State Property Protection Law, it is unlawful for any person to use force, violence, threats, or self help to take over landed property or settle property disputes.

The law is very clear. No matter how strong your claim may be, you are not allowed to recover property through force or intimidation.

This means:
a. You cannot forcefully eject occupants

b. You cannot send thugs to seize land

c. You cannot destroy structures because of ownership claims

d. You cannot intimidate people into surrendering possession

Once force enters the matter, the issue may move from civil dispute to criminal liability.

Many people lose good cases because they acted unlawfully while trying to enforce their rights.

The proper way is simple:
1. Use lawful procedure.
2. Follow due process.
3. Go through the appropriate legal channel.

The law protects property rights, but it also punishes illegal methods.

Do not let anger push you into actions that may destroy your case or your freedom.

If this post was insightful, kindly like, share, and join the conversation in the comments.

For guidance on property recovery, tenancy disputes, land conflicts, or lawful enforcement of your rights, call the property lawyer.

One proper legal step today can save you from serious consequences tomorrow.

Akinbayowa Morakinyo Esq ®️✍🏿

07/05/2026

One of the biggest dangers in real estate today is greed.

Some companies are so desperate to make quick money that they knowingly sell the same plot of land to different buyers.

They collect payment from one person today, another person tomorrow, and continue the cycle until disputes begin.

By the time the truth comes out, several people may already have receipts, allocation papers, and payment evidence for the same land.

This is one of the reasons many property disputes happen in estates.

In many cases, the problem is not a mistake. It is deliberate fraud driven by greed.

Some companies take advantage of buyers who:

a. Do not conduct proper verification

b. Rely completely on advertisements and online videos

c. Buy in a hurry because of promotional offers

d. Live abroad and cannot inspect personally

e.Assume every registered company is trustworthy

buyers are especially at risk.

Many Nigerians abroad invest through pictures, phone calls, and social media promises without independent checks.

Some only discover the fraud years later when they return home and find another person already building on the same plot.

That moment can be devastating.

Before paying any real estate company:

1️⃣Verify the company properly 2️⃣Conduct independent land search 3️⃣Confirm the exact plot physically 4️⃣Ask questions beyond the advertisement
5️⃣Let a property lawyer review the transaction

Do not let pressure, flashy marketing, or emotional promises replace proper due diligence.

In real estate, the safest buyer is the buyer who verifies everything.

If this post was helpful, kindly like, share, and drop your thoughts in the comments.

If you are buying property from within Nigeria or from abroad, speak with the property lawyer before making payment.

One careful verification today can protect your investment from a lifetime dispute tomorrow.

Akinbayowa Morakinyo Esq ®️✍🏿

06/05/2026

Property is not just about buying land or a building.

It is about securing your and your future.

Many investors focus on price, location, and quick payment.

They ignore the legal side at the beginning.

That is where most problems start.

A may look perfect, yet still have serious issues:

a. The seller may not have full authority

b. The title may be defective or unclear

c. The land may be under acquisition or dispute

d. The documents may be incomplete or poorly drafted

These problems do not always show immediately.

They often appear later, when you want to build, resell, or perfect your title.

At that point, fixing the issue becomes expensive and stressful.

Legal protection from the start means:

1. Proper verification of ownership

2. Review of all title documents

3. Drafting and checking of agreements

4. Ensuring due process is followed

5. Securing and registering your interest

The truth is simple.

It is cheaper to prevent a problem than to solve one.

Do not treat legal checks as an extra cost.

Treat them as part of your investment.

If this made sense to you, kindly like, share, and join the conversation in the comments.

Before you commit your money to any property, speak with the property lawyer.

Start your investment the right way and avoid problems before they begin.

Akinbayowa Morakinyo Esq ®️✍🏿

05/05/2026

In matters, what you are told is not as important as what you can prove.

Many buyers rely on verbal assurances.

They hear things like “this land is safe,” “the documents are coming,” or “you can trust me.”

These statements may sound convincing, but they do not create ownership in law.

Ownership is established through proper documentation.

A valid title shows who owns the property, how it was transferred, and whether the transaction is recognized.

Without this, your claim is weak, no matter how much you have paid.

This is where many people get into trouble.

They pay for land based on trust. They collect incomplete papers. They delay documentation.

Later, when disputes arise, they discover that promises cannot stand in place of proof.

In law, the person with the better documents often has the stronger case.

Before you commit your money, make sure:

a. The title documents are available and genuine

b. The transaction is properly documented

c. The documents are duly executed and, where necessary, registered

d. The process is reviewed by a professional

Do not rely on assurances. Do not rely on future promises.

Secure your ownership with proper documents from the beginning.

If this post has added value, kindly like, share, and drop your thoughts in the comments.

Before you pay for any property or accept any document, speak with The Property Lawyer.

Let every promise be backed by proper documentation before you proceed.

Akinbayowa Morakinyo Esq ®️✍🏿

01/05/2026