Abstract: | The rule in Ramsden v. Dyson has been frequently invoked in the Nigerian courts and has been the basis of a number of decisions in land matters. Its limits are somewhat vague. It seems safe to assert that its primary application is in the law of land; that it is a creature of equity; and that it is founded on what may be described as a 'proprietary estoppel' or estoppel by acquiescence. This occurs where a person in- curs expenditure, such as by building on land, in the erroneous belief, actively or passively encouraged by the true owner of the property, that he had a sufficient interest in that property to justify the expenditure. The Ramsden v. Dyson rule has much scope in Nigeria because of the widespread uncertainty as to title to land. The basis, the application, and the effect of the rule are discussed in the article. |