OLUMUYIWA SOTUMINU V. OCEAN STEAMSHIP (NIGERIA) LTD & ORS.

M. L. UWAIS, JSC (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The appellant instituted a suit in the High Court of Lagos State against the respondents claiming, as appropriate, as follows:-

1. As against the 1st respondent, a declaration that the appellant is entitled to 5% of the gross earnings of the 1st respondent as per the agreement between the appellant and the 1st respondent and the minutes of the meeting of the board of the 1st respondent which was held on 18th February, 1983.

2. An order directing the 1st respondent to pay to the appellant the sum of ₦1,052,603.61 being 5% of the gross earnings of the 1st respondent.

3. As against the 1st respondent, an order for the payment to the appellant of the sum of ₦1,160,000.00 being the salaries and house rents for the period of 4 years (1983-1986) being owed by the 1st respondent.

4. An order for inquiry into all payments of money made by the 1st respondent to the 4th and 5th respondents as Legal Adviser and Secretary respectively to the 1st …