09/08/2026
Peller's ₦400M wedding gift from King Ochacho has everyone talking – but a legal expert has raised a critical question.
Legal Opinion by Bolaji Oluwatosin, Esq.
Following the Lagos handover where Peller received keys, Power of Attorney, and allocation papers, the lawyer asked:
"Under the law, does the presentation of keys, Power of Attorney and allocation documents mean Peller and Jarvis have acquired a valid, perfected legal interest in the property?"
The Distinction Matters
"There is a difference between the intention to make a gift, the delivery of possession and documents, and the completion of a legal transfer of an interest in land."
FCT Land is Different
"Land in the Federal Capital Territory occupies a peculiar position. Section 297(2) of the Constitution vests ownership of all FCT land in the Federal Government."
The Documents Don't Tell the Full Story
"A Power of Attorney is, in its ordinary legal character, an authority to act on another's behalf; its title does not by itself establish that a proprietary interest has been transferred."
"Allocation papers may be significant evidence of the property's history or the donor's root of title, but they do not, without more, establish that his interest has been transferred to someone else."
"Keys establish delivery of possession, not title."
The Law of Gifts
"A gift inter vivos requires clear intention to give and acceptance by the donee. If what was handed to Peller includes a duly executed instrument that legally transfers Ochacho's interest, the position is considerably stronger. Whereas if the documents merely evidence allocation, possession, or an intention to transfer, further steps may still be needed."
Statutory Consent Requirements
"Under sections 22 and 26 of the Land Use Act, a holder of a statutory right of occupancy generally cannot alienate that right without the appropriate consent. A transaction caught by section 26 and done contrary to the Act is null and void."
Keys and handover videos are great for content, but legal title is what truly matters. Until the documents are properly examined, it's premature to say Peller has a perfected legal interest in the property.
