Ogam Solicitors

Ogam Solicitors A Lawyer, Wife and Mother. General Disclaimer: This whole content is solely for Educational purposes and not a substitute for legal advice on a specific case.
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Beans and Plantain – A Meal I Truly Miss! ❤️🥹Before I became pregnant with my first baby, beans was one of my absolute f...
24/07/2026

Beans and Plantain – A Meal I Truly Miss! ❤️🥹

Before I became pregnant with my first baby, beans was one of my absolute favourite meals. If you know me well, you'll know that I could eat Ewa Agoyin (the popular Yoruba style of beans) almost every day without getting tired of it.

During my pregnancy, however, I noticed that every time I ate beans, I developed severe heartburn. I thought it would end after delivery, but while nursing my baby, it became even worse. Now, whenever I eat beans, I often start coughing, experience chest tightness, and sometimes gasp for breath until I take my medication.

Over time, I discovered one natural remedy that helps me a lot. Once the symptoms begin, I either drink plenty of ginger tea or chew fresh ginger, and it usually provides some relief. Of course, this doesn't replace my medication or medical advice—it is simply what has worked for me.

Last night, my husband, who is such a wonderful cook, prepared this delicious plate of beans and plantain. He smiled and told me, "I added plenty of ginger, so you should be able to enjoy it." 😂

Now I'm staring at this plate this morning, seriously tempted to eat it. Wish me luck! 😅

One thing I still admire about beans is its nutritional value. It is rich in protein, fibre, and other essential nutrients, making it an excellent meal that provides lasting energy. As lawyers, we often spend long hours reading, writing, attending court, and meeting clients. A healthy meal like beans can help keep you energized throughout the day.

To my learned friends, I highly recommend beans as part of a balanced diet—provided it agrees with your body.

Has anyone else developed food allergies or intolerances? I'd love to hear your experience and remedy.

Have a lovely day.

©Ogam Solicitors–Law Made Easy

JUSTICE, SECURITY AND THE RULE OF LAWThe faces of these convicted persons, who were arraigned in connection with the Oyo...
23/07/2026

JUSTICE, SECURITY AND THE RULE OF LAW

The faces of these convicted persons, who were arraigned in connection with the Oyo State kidnapping case, remind us that crime has consequences and that the justice system must remain firm against those who threaten the peace and security of society.

I commend the Federal Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, other security agencies, and everyone who contributed to bringing this nightmare to an end and securing the release of the abductees. Above all, all glory belongs to God.

This is one of the few times I have personally witnessed such a positive outcome in a high-profile kidnapping case. It demonstrates that when intelligence, collaboration, and strategic planning are effectively deployed, lives can be saved and justice can be achieved.

According to reports, the defendants pleaded guilty to the charges against them, and the court subsequently sentenced them to life imprisonment. A guilty plea is a voluntary admission of the offence charged, and once the court is satisfied that it was entered freely and that the facts support the charge, it may proceed to convict and sentence the defendants in accordance with the law.

This outcome sends a strong message that kidnapping and other violent crimes will attract severe legal consequences. At the same time, it reinforces public confidence that the criminal justice system can deliver justice when investigations and prosecutions are diligently carried out.

May this serve as a deterrent to those who choose the path of crime and a source of hope to victims that justice can prevail.

Justice was served. The rule of law prevailed.



Ogam Solicitors- LawMadeEasy

THROWBACK TO MY NYSC DAYS – A YEAR OF SERVICE, LEARNING AND IMPACT This photograph brings back beautiful memories from m...
23/07/2026

THROWBACK TO MY NYSC DAYS – A YEAR OF SERVICE, LEARNING AND IMPACT

This photograph brings back beautiful memories from my NYSC year. During my service, I volunteered with the Nigerian Bar Association Legal Aid Department, which gave me the opportunity to visit several communities and institutions. One of the most memorable moments was visiting an orphanage home, where I had the privilege of carrying this beautiful baby. It was a simple moment, but one that left a lasting impression on me.

I also served at my Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) with the Military Police Department at the Army Barracks under the leadership of the Officer Commanding (OC) Legal. During that period, I had the privilege of delivering lectures at the Army school—an experience that strengthened my confidence and passion for the legal profession.

I also had the rare opportunity to gain a better understanding of the military, its structure, discipline, operations, and the important role it plays in maintaining peace, security, and order.

Looking back, I am grateful that I embraced every opportunity NYSC offered. It was not just a compulsory national service; it was a season of growth, learning, networking, and service to humanity.

My advice to every corps member and prospective corps member:

Use your service year wisely. Learn new skills, build meaningful relationships, volunteer where you can, and create positive memories. Explore every legitimate opportunity available to you because you may never have that exact opportunity again.

However, remember that your service year is also a period that can shape your future. Do not allow temporary excitement, peer pressure, or poor decisions to destroy the career you have worked so hard to build. One careless mistake can have lasting consequences.

Your NYSC year is only one chapter of your life. Make it a chapter you will always look back on with pride.

What is your favourite NYSC memory? Share it in the comments.



Ogam Solicitors - Law Made Easy

MUST EVERY LAWYER WORK IN COURT? THE ANSWER IS NO.A common question I receive is:"Ogam Solicitors, what about people who...
23/07/2026

MUST EVERY LAWYER WORK IN COURT? THE ANSWER IS NO.

A common question I receive is:

"Ogam Solicitors, what about people who do not want to work in court but want to become corporate lawyers? Is there a special procedure for that?"

The answer is No.

Many people assume that every lawyer must spend their career arguing cases in court. That is a misconception. The legal profession offers several career paths, and litigation is only one of them.

A lawyer who wishes to become a corporate lawyer follows the same route as every other lawyer:

1. Obtain an LL.B. degree.
2. Attend the Nigerian Law School.
3. Be called to the Nigerian Bar.

After being called to the Bar, the lawyer may choose to specialise in corporate and commercial practice instead of litigation.

What does a corporate lawyer do?

A corporate lawyer may:

- Register companies with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
- Draft and review contracts.
- Handle mergers and acquisitions.
- Advise businesses on regulatory compliance.
- Provide legal opinions to companies.
- Conduct due diligence.
- Handle intellectual property matters.
- Advise on labour and employment law.
- Assist with banking, finance, taxation, and investment transactions.

Most corporate lawyers spend more time in boardrooms, offices, and negotiations than in courtrooms.

Are there additional courses corporate lawyers should consider?

Yes. While they are not compulsory, they can make a lawyer more competitive. Examples include:

- Corporate Governance.
- Company Secretarial Practice.
- Contract Drafting and Negotiation.
- Compliance and Risk Management.
- Intellectual Property Law.
- Data Protection and Privacy.
- Taxation.
- Banking and Finance.
- Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
- Mergers and Acquisitions.
- Legal Project Management.
- Financial Modelling for Lawyers.

Professional certifications from recognised institutions can also enhance a corporate lawyer's career.

The beauty of the legal profession is that it offers many opportunities. Whether your passion is litigation, corporate practice, academia, public service, arbitration, or legal consulting, there is a place for you.

⚖️ Law is broader than the courtroom. Find the path that aligns with your passion and develop the skills required to excel in it.

Ogam Solicitors – Law Made Easy.

WATCH YOUR WORDS — THEY CAN SAVE YOU FROM TROUBLE.The Bible reminds us:«"He who guards his mouth guards his soul from tr...
23/07/2026

WATCH YOUR WORDS — THEY CAN SAVE YOU FROM TROUBLE.

The Bible reminds us:

«"He who guards his mouth guards his soul from trouble." — Proverbs 21:23»

It also says:

«"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." — Proverbs 15:1»

As lawyers, we have seen countless disputes that began with nothing more than careless words. A heated argument, an insulting message, or an angry social media post can escalate into defamation claims, assault, broken relationships, or years of avoidable litigation.

Not every battle is won by speaking louder. Sometimes, wisdom is knowing when to remain silent and when to respond with calmness.

Guard your tongue. Choose your words carefully. A gentle response can preserve your peace, protect your reputation, and prevent unnecessary legal and personal conflicts.

Remember: Your words can either build bridges or burn them. Choose wisely.

OGAM SOLICITORS - Law Made Easy.

CAN A LANDLORD INCREASE YOUR RENT WITHOUT GIVING YOU ADEQUATE NOTICE?Many tenants are shocked when a landlord suddenly a...
22/07/2026

CAN A LANDLORD INCREASE YOUR RENT WITHOUT GIVING YOU ADEQUATE NOTICE?

Many tenants are shocked when a landlord suddenly announces a new rent and demands immediate payment.

Is that lawful?

The answer is No.

Although a landlord has the right to review or increase rent, the law expects the tenant to be given reasonable notice before the increase takes effect. A tenant should not be confronted with a sudden rent increase without adequate notice.

WHAT CAN A TENANT DO?

✓ Inform the landlord that the rent increase was made without adequate notice.

✓ Continue to comply with the existing tenancy arrangement while the issue is being resolved, where appropriate.

✓Attempt to negotiate a mutually acceptable date for the new rent to take effect.

✓ Where the landlord resorts to threats, harassment, self-help, or forceful eviction to compel payment of the increased rent, the tenant may seek redress in court.

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?

Section 37 of the Tenancy Law of Lagos State, 2015 provides that:

- A landlord shall not increase the rent payable under a tenancy agreement unreasonably.
- Where there is a dispute as to the increase, either the landlord or the tenant may apply to the court for a determination of the reasonableness of the increase.

The courts have consistently frowned at landlords taking the law into their own hands. In Iheanacho v. Uzochukwu (1997) 2 NWLR (Pt. 487) 257, the Court of Appeal reaffirmed that a landlord must follow due process and should not resort to self-help in enforcing his rights.

Similarly, in Ojukwu v. Governor of Lagos State (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt. 18) 621, the Supreme Court condemned self-help and held that no person, no matter how strong their claim, should take the law into their own hands.

The Bottom Line

A landlord can increase rent, but it should be done reasonably and with adequate notice. Likewise, a tenant cannot reject every rent increase simply because they are unwilling to pay. Both parties must act within the law.

Knowledge of the law protects both landlords and tenants.

OGAM SOLICITORS Law Made Easy.

CAN A LANDLORD INCREASE RENT AT ANY TIME? WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY IN NIGERIA?One of the most common complaints from tenant...
22/07/2026

CAN A LANDLORD INCREASE RENT AT ANY TIME? WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY IN NIGERIA?

One of the most common complaints from tenants is: "My landlord just increased my rent overnight. Is that legal?"

The answer is it depends on the law of the State where the property is situated.

There is no single federal law in Nigeria that fixes the amount a landlord can charge as rent. Landlord and tenant relationships are primarily governed by the tenancy laws of each State and the terms of the tenancy agreement.

For instance, in Lagos State, the Lagos State Tenancy Law, 2015 does not prohibit a landlord from increasing rent. However, the law protects tenants against unreasonable rent increases.

Section 37 of the Lagos State Tenancy Law, 2015 gives an existing tenant the right to apply to the Court for a declaration that a proposed rent increase is unreasonable. In determining whether the increase is unreasonable, the Court may consider:

The prevailing rent for similar properties in the same locality.

The condition and location of the property.

Any improvements made to the premises.

The evidence presented by both parties.

Any other relevant circumstances.

If the Court finds that the increase is unreasonable, it has the power to determine a reasonable rent.

What are the legal remedies available to a tenant?

✓ Negotiate with the landlord.

✓ Consult a lawyer for legal advice.

✓Apply to the appropriate Court under Section 37 of the Lagos State Tenancy Law, 2015 to challenge an unreasonable rent increase.

While such an application is pending, the landlord should not resort to self-help or attempt to evict the tenant outside the due process of the law.

Furthermore, Section 6 of the Lagos State Tenancy Law, 2015 guarantees a tenant's right to quiet and peaceful enjoyment of the premises. A landlord who locks out a tenant, removes the tenant's belongings, or uses force instead of following the legal eviction process may be liable for unlawful eviction.

The Supreme Court has also recognized that the relationship between a landlord and a tenant is primarily contractual. See African Petroleum Ltd. v. Owodunni (1991) 8 NWLR (Pt. 210) 391. In addition, the Supreme Court in Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation (2003) 12 NWLR (Pt. 833) 1 affirmed that landlord and tenant matters are generally governed by State laws.

Remember: A landlord has the right to review rent, but that right is not unlimited. Where the law provides protection against unreasonable rent increases, a tenant is entitled to seek redress in Court rather than resort to self-help.

OGAM SOLICITORS – Law Made Easy.

CAN YOU BUY A SPOUSE'S SHARE OF LAND AFTER A DIVORCE? THE ANSWER IS NOT ALWAYS SIMPLE.A follower asked this interesting ...
22/07/2026

CAN YOU BUY A SPOUSE'S SHARE OF LAND AFTER A DIVORCE? THE ANSWER IS NOT ALWAYS SIMPLE.

A follower asked this interesting question:

«"I sold a piece of land to a married couple. They later divorced. The wife sold her undivided half back to me. Two years later, the husband sued me and recovered the entire land, claiming prescriptive rights because his ex-wife had left the property and was living with her new husband. My lawyer had advised me that I could buy her undivided half. How then did I lose both my money and the land?"»

Legal Position:

The mere fact that a person owns an undivided share in land does not automatically mean that a purchaser will successfully acquire a legally enforceable interest.

Where co-owners own land jointly or in common, several legal issues may arise, including:

1. The nature of the co-ownership. Was it a joint tenancy or a tenancy in common? The answer affects whether one party could validly dispose of an interest.

2. Possession and occupation of the land. If one co-owner has remained in exclusive possession for many years, certain legal doctrines or equitable principles may become relevant depending on the facts and the applicable law.

3. The purchaser's due diligence. Before buying an undivided interest in land, it is important to investigate the title, inspect the property, ascertain who is in possession, and determine whether there are pending disputes or other legal rights affecting the land.

4.Every land transaction depends on its unique facts. A slight difference in the facts can produce a completely different legal outcome. Also, if there had been a partition agreement identifying and allocating a specific portion of the land to each co-owner, the owner of that allocated portion could ordinarily transfer that portion to a purchaser.

Where there is no partition, the buyer is purchasing only an undivided interest in the land, which may expose the buyer to future disputes with the other co-owner.

5. The facts proved in court. Court decisions are based on the evidence presented. A lawyer may correctly advise that an undivided share is capable of being sold, yet the purchaser may still lose the case if the court finds other facts or legal principles that defeat that interest.

Therefore, this does not necessarily mean the legal advice was wrong. It may simply mean that there were additional facts or legal issues which affected the outcome of the case.

Lesson: Never assume that because a co-owner agrees to sell his or her share, the transaction is risk-free. Always carry out proper legal due diligence and obtain comprehensive legal advice before paying for an undivided interest in land.

©Ogam Solicitors–Law Made Easy

CAN I BUY LAND FROM A DECEASED PERSON'S ESTATE WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE ADMINISTRATORS ?Many people believe that once...
22/07/2026

CAN I BUY LAND FROM A DECEASED PERSON'S ESTATE WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE ADMINISTRATORS ?

Many people believe that once a landowner dies, any family member can sell the deceased's land. That is a costly mistake that has led many innocent buyers into endless litigation.

The simple answer is No.

Under Nigerian law, when a person dies intestate (without a Will), his or her property does not automatically belong to the children, spouse, siblings, or other relatives. The estate can only be lawfully managed and sold by the Administrators appointed by the Probate Registry through Letters of Administration.

Until Letters of Administration are granted, no family member has the legal authority to sell the deceased's property on behalf of the estate. Therefore, anyone who purchases land from an unauthorized family member is buying from someone who has no legal power to sell.

Where the deceased left a valid Will, the authority to deal with the estate rests with the Executors named in the Will after the grant of Probate.

The Supreme Court has consistently held that only the personal representatives of a deceased person (that is, the Executors or Administrators) have the legal capacity to deal with the deceased's estate.

Legal Authority:

Sections 2 and 24 of the Administration of Estates Law of Lagos State (or the applicable Administration of Estates Law in your State).

Administration of Estates Law

Administration of Estates Act

Amadi v. Nwosu (1992) 5 NWLR (Pt. 241) 273, where the court emphasized that only duly appointed personal representatives have authority over a deceased person's estate.

Practical Advice:

Before buying any property belonging to a deceased person:

Ask to see the Letters of Administration or Grant of Probate.

Confirm that the persons signing the Deed of Assignment are the duly appointed Administrators or Executors.

Carry out proper due diligence through a qualified legal practitioner.

Buying land from the wrong person may leave you with nothing but a worthless receipt and years of court battles.

Know the law before you pay for any land. It may save you millions of naira and years of litigation.

OGAM SOLICITORS Law Made Easy.

CAN YOU PROVE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR LAND IF YOU HAVE LOST THE ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (C OF O)?This is a question ...
21/07/2026

CAN YOU PROVE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR LAND IF YOU HAVE LOST THE ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (C OF O)?

This is a question many landowners ask.

Suppose you misplaced the original copy of your Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). Does it mean you have automatically lost your land? Can a court accept only a photocopy of the C of O together with an Affidavit of Loss?

The answer is Yes, a court can accept a photocopy of a Certificate of Occupancy, but there are important conditions.

Under the Evidence Act, 2011, a photocopy is regarded as secondary evidence. Secondary evidence may be admitted where the original document has been lost or destroyed, provided the party relying on it lays the proper foundation during the trial and satisfactorily explains why the original cannot be produced.

In other words, the photocopy will not be admitted automatically. Before the court can receive it in evidence, the party seeking to rely on it must first lay the proper foundation by proving that:

- The original document has been lost, destroyed, or cannot be produced despite diligent efforts.
- The loss was not caused by bad faith.
- The circumstances justify the admission of secondary evidence.

In practice, this may be supported by:
✔️ An Affidavit of Loss.
✔️ A Police Report (where applicable).
✔️ Evidence of the efforts made to locate the original document.
✔️ Any other evidence the court considers relevant.

It is important to note that an Affidavit of Loss or Police Report alone does not make a photocopy admissible. The trial court must first be satisfied that the proper legal foundation has been laid before admitting the photocopy as secondary evidence.

Where necessary, the court may also rely on records from the relevant Land Registry or other official documents to verify the authenticity of the Certificate of Occupancy.

Legal Authority:
Sections 89 and 90 of the Evidence Act, 2011 govern the admissibility of secondary evidence where the original document has been lost or cannot be produced, subject to the conditions prescribed by law.

The lesson: Losing your original C of O does not automatically deprive you of your ownership rights. However, if you intend to rely on a photocopy in court, the proper foundation must first be laid during the trial before it can be admitted in evidence.

OGAM Solicitors – Law Made Easy.

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