Buying land or property in Ogun State is one of the smartest investments anyone can make today. However, many people stop at just signing a Deed of Assignment and collecting receipts. Without proper title perfection, you risk losing that property or facing serious legal complications in the future.
Title perfection is what legally confirms you as the rightful owner of a property in the eyes of the law and the government. It is a process that transforms your ownership from a mere private transaction into a government-recognized title. In this article, we will explain what title perfection means, the difference between a Certificate of Occupancy and Governor’s Consent, and how to complete the process step-by-step.
What Is Title Perfection?
Title perfection is the process of registering your ownership interest in a piece of land with the Ogun State Land Registry so that the government officially recognizes you as the lawful owner.
The process typically involves the following steps:
- Stamping your Deed of Assignment at the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS).
- Charting and verifying the land survey at the Office of the Surveyor-General.
- Processing and obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
Once you have completed these steps, you receive a duly registered Certificate of Occupancy that confirms your ownership and protects your property rights.
Understanding the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
The Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is the primary document that proves legal ownership of land in Ogun State. It is issued by the government to show that you have been granted the right of occupancy over a piece of land for a specified period, usually 99 years.
Before the C of O is granted, the land must be charted and confirmed to be free from government acquisition or encumbrance. Once issued, the C of O becomes the foundation of your ownership. It is the final proof that the Ogun State Government has recognized you as the legal occupier of that land.
In many parts of Ogun State, land is still owned by families who have not obtained Certificates of Occupancy. When you buy from such families, the first title you need to process is your Certificate of Occupancy. It converts traditional or family ownership into a government-recognized legal title, giving you peace of mind and full protection under the law.
What Is Governor’s Consent?
Under Section 22 of the Land Use Act (1978), “it shall not be lawful for the holder of a statutory right of occupancy granted by the Governor to alienate his right of occupancy or any part thereof by assignment, mortgage, transfer of possession, sublease, or otherwise, without the consent of the Governor first had and obtained.”
In simple terms, the Governor’s Consent is required when you already have a valid title, such as a Certificate of Occupancy, and you wish to sell, transfer, mortgage, or otherwise assign your interest to someone else.
It is not the first document to obtain when you buy land from a family. Rather, it becomes relevant when you want to transfer your ownership rights to another person or entity. Obtaining the Governor’s Consent ensures that the transaction is legally recognized and that the government records reflect the change in ownership.
Why Title Perfection Matters
Perfecting your land title is not just a legal formality. It is your best protection against fraud, loss, or disputes. The reasons include:
- It confirms your ownership legally. Without perfection, anyone can challenge your claim.
- It protects against fraud and multiple sales. A perfected title is recorded and recognized by the state.
- It increases property value. Properly titled land attracts investors and high-value buyers.
- It allows access to loans or mortgages. Financial institutions only accept perfected titles as valid collateral.
- It simplifies inheritance or resale. Proper documentation prevents future ownership complications.
Step-by-Step Process of Title Perfection in Ogun State
- Stamping at the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS)
Your Deed of Assignment must be stamped within 30 days of execution. Stamping validates the transaction and makes the document admissible in court. - Charting and Land Verification
Submit your survey to the Office of the Surveyor-General for charting. This confirms that the land is not under government acquisition and that it does not overlap with another person’s property. - Application for Certificate of Occupancy (C of O)
Once the land has been charted and found to be free, you can apply for a Certificate of Occupancy through the Ogun State Lands Bureau. When issued, the C of O becomes your final proof of ownership and completes the process of title perfection for that land.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Relying solely on land agents instead of consulting a qualified property lawyer.
- Failing to stamp your Deed of Assignment within 30 days.
- Using incomplete or unapproved surveys.
- Ignoring the C of O process due to cost or delay.
These shortcuts often lead to ownership disputes, revocation, or outright loss of investment later on.
How Edelweiss Partners Can Help
At Edelweiss Partners, we assist clients through every stage of property acquisition and title perfection, from land verification and deed preparation to obtaining Certificates of Occupancy.
Whether you are buying from a family, developing an estate, or regularizing an existing property, we ensure your documents are properly processed, compliant with state requirements, and legally protected.
Contact us today:
Email: okiachika@edelweisslawfirm.com
Phone: 09030993772
Website: www.edelweisslawfirm.com
Let us help you secure your property the right way, once and for all.
Conclusion
Perfecting your title in Ogun State is the only way to truly own your property under Nigerian law. If you have bought land from a family or through an agent, do not stop at the Deed of Assignment. Begin your Certificate of Occupancy process today, and when the time comes to sell or mortgage, obtain the Governor’s Consent. A perfected title gives you peace of mind, protects your investment, and establishes your legacy.
Oki Achika Esq, Managing Partner