Requirement of landlord’s written authority: The place of the solicitor

Abstract

Tenancy matters abound in Nigerian courts. Sometimes, it is a herculean task for a landlord to recover possession of his premises from a recalcitrant tenant. This article discusses the place or role of a solicitor in recovering premises on behalf of the landlord. Does a solicitor require written authorization from the landlord to act on his behalf? The paper does not believe so. It hinges its argument on the fact that a solicitor, as a trained professional, has apparent authority to act once briefed by the landlord; and needs no special written authority from his client to so act.