In today’s fast-moving real estate market, protecting your legal interest in a property is more important than ever—especially in growing states like Ogun, where land transactions are rising rapidly. Whether you’ve inherited land, paid for a plot, or are in a land dispute, one powerful legal tool that can secure your interest is the filing of a caveat.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about how to place a caveat on a property in Ogun State. We’ll simplify the legal terms, walk you through the process step-by-step, and help you understand when and why a caveat might be necessary.
What Is a Caveat in Property Law?
A caveat is a formal legal notice or warning placed in a government land record to inform the public or relevant authorities that someone has a legal interest in a property. It is commonly used to prevent the sale, transfer, or registration of a property until the caveator’s claim is resolved.
Think of it as a “stop notice”—it prevents other people or the government from proceeding with any property transaction that could affect your rights.
There are several valid reasons to place a caveat on a property in Ogun State:
•You recently paid a deposit or full amount for land but documents are still being processed.
•You are an heir or beneficiary of a deceased person’s land and want to prevent fraudulent sales.
•You have pending litigation or a court order involving the property.
•You are in a joint ownership or partnership where one party is acting in bad faith.
•You want to prevent a debtor from secretly selling their land.
Whatever the case, placing a caveat gives you legal leverage and alerts any third party of your claim.
Who Can File a Caveat in Ogun State?
Any of the following persons or entities may file a caveat:
•Buyers or investors with pending property transactions
•Family members or legal representatives of a deceased property owner
•Creditors with judgment debts or secured interest in property
•Joint owners or partners in land-related ventures
•Lawyers or legal representatives acting on behalf of their clients
•Claimants in court proceedings involving land
Legal Framework for Caveats in Ogun State
In Ogun State, the law governing the registration of land-related caveats is based on the Land Instruments Registration Law (LIRL) of Ogun State, as well as guidelines from the Bureau of Lands and Survey under the Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning.
When a caveat is placed, it becomes part of the official record of that property. It will appear in any search report or due diligence conducted by prospective buyers, lawyers, or institutions.
Types of Caveats
1.Private Caveat – Filed by individuals or their lawyers based on a specific interest or dispute.
2.Official Caveat – Placed by the government, often in cases involving acquisition, court orders, or public interest.
Step-by-Step Process to Place a Caveat in Ogun State
Step 1: Consult a Property Lawyer
Do not start the process without legal consultation. An experienced property lawyer will help you:
•Evaluate your legal interest
•Draft the necessary caveat documents
•Identify proper channels for submission
•Avoid filing a frivolous or invalid caveat
At Chaman Law Firm, we provide comprehensive caveat services from start to finish.
Step 2: Draft a Caveat Notice/Application
The caveat application should include:
•Full name and address of the applicant (caveator)
•Proper description of the property (survey plan, location, plot number)
•Basis of the interest or claim
•Copies of supporting documents (agreements, receipts, court papers, etc.)
•Legal demand or warning against registration or transfer
•Signature of the applicant or legal representative
Step 3: Submit to the Ogun State Bureau of Lands and Survey
The caveat should be submitted to:
Director, Lands Department,
Ogun State Bureau of Lands and Survey,
Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Your lawyer will also follow up with the appropriate registry department to ensure the caveat is recorded.
Step 4: Pay the Required Government Fees
You will be required to pay filing and administrative fees, depending on the property category and nature of your claim. This fee varies but is affordable compared to the risk of losing your land rights.
Step 5: Follow Up and Monitor the Caveat Record
Once acknowledged, the caveat will be entered into the land record. In some cases:
•Notification may be sent to the property owner or other interested parties
•Any person conducting a land search will see the caveat
•The caveat remains active until resolved or removed
A caveat is usually valid for 90 days, although it may be renewed if the dispute is still unresolved or proceedings are ongoing.
Can a Caveat Be Removed?
Yes. A caveat can be removed if:
•The caveator withdraws it voluntarily
•It expires and is not renewed
•A court orders its removal
•A settlement is reached between parties
If a caveat is challenged, the matter may proceed to court. This is why it is essential to file it with proper legal backing.
Real Example (Hypothetical)
Imagine you paid for a piece of land in Ifo, Ogun State, and you’re processing the title documents. Suddenly, someone else shows up claiming ownership and threatens to sell it. What do you do?
With legal advice from Chaman Law Firm, you file a caveat, stopping any further transfer or registration of the land until your interest is investigated or protected. Without that step, you might have lost your rightful land—and your money.
Benefits of Placing a Caveat on Land in Ogun State
•Prevents unlawful or fraudulent transactions
•Protects your financial and legal interest
•Notifies third parties about your claim
•Enhances your legal position in land disputes
•Shows seriousness and credibility of your claim
Common Mistakes to Avoid
•Filing without proper legal documents
•Not involving a lawyer
•Letting the caveat expire without action
•Assuming it prevents all actions indefinitely
We are experts in property and real estate law with offices in both Lagos and Ogun States. Our team has successfully helped many individuals place and defend caveats across various parts of Ogun—especially in areas like Abeokuta, Ifo, Ota, Sagamu, Mowe, Ibafo, Arepo, and others.
Need Help Placing a Caveat in Ogun State? Contact Us Today
Protecting your land starts with the right legal step. If you believe someone may challenge your land rights or you want to stop a fraudulent transaction, let’s act immediately.
Contact Chaman Law Firm:
•Call/WhatsApp: 08065553671 or 08096888818
•Email: chamanlawfirm@gmail.com
•Office Address (Ogun): 5, Olalekan Ogunjobi Street, Havana Estate, Arepo, Ogun State
•Website: www.chamanlawfirm.com
At Chaman Law Firm, we protect your land and your legacy—one property at a time.
