G.O.k Ajayi V. Lagos City Council (1969)

LawGlobal-Hub Lead Judgment Report

LEWIS, J.S.C.

The plaintiff, a legal practitioner, in the Lagos High Court in suit No. LD/112/1967 claimed for professional fees-in terms of paragraph 14 of his statement of claim which reads:-

“14. Whereupon the plaintiff claims the sum of FOUR THOUSAND GUINEAS i.e. (£4,200) being fee for professional services rendered to the defendant between the 20th day of June, 1966 and September, 1966 inclusive at the defendant Council’s request.”

On the 21st of October, 1967, Lambo J., dismissed the claim and ordered each side to bear its own costs, and against that decision the plaintiff has appealed to this Court. It is not in dispute that on the 20th of June, 1966, the then Town Clerk to the Lagos City Council wrote a letter to the plaintiff (exhibit ‘A’) which reads:-

“Town Clerk’s Department,

City Hall,

Private Mail Bag No. 2015,

Lagos.

Nigeria.

20th June, 1966.

G.O.K. Ajayi Esq.,

Solicitor & Advocate,

126/130 Nnamdi Azikiwe Street,

Lagos.