Nigerian Landlady Sues Dead Tenant In Lagos State

Dec 13, 2012 – Nigerian Landlady Sues Dead Tenant In Lagos State

There was a mild drama at the Ejigbo Magistrate’s Court, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, Tuesday when the court was told that the respondent in a civil matter before it died before the suit was filed.

The respondent, Bosu Felix Agunbiade, died eight years ago.

The landlady, Mrs. Funmilayo Oshinaike of 5, Araromi Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, dragged her dead tenant to the court to recover arrears of rent totalling N450, 000 and take possession of the apartment.

Elizabeth Agunbiade, wife of the respondent, who was present, told the court that her husband died eight years ago and her landlady knew, but still went ahead to file the suit.

She said she was not served with any court paper.

But the landlady told the court that she filed the suit in Agunbiade’s name because he was his tenant.

We learnt that after tenant’s death, his family continued to live in the apartment. Two years ago, the rent was hiked and the widow was unable to pay.

Elizabeth’s revelation that her husband died eight years ago provoked laughter in court, with the magistrate wondering why a dead man should be dragged to court.

She later asked the widow to prove her claims at the next court appearance.

The matter has been adjourned till 5 February, 2013. [PM Reports]