Facts:

The appellant entered into a lease agreement with the respondent sometime in 1985, wherein the appellant leased to the respondent all four (4) floors left wing of the premises known as Ibru Glass House situate at 33, Olorogun Michael Ibru Boulevard, Apapa Lagos for a term of 20 years with an option to renew. Upon expiration of the term in 2005, the respondent sought for a renewal which was not granted by the appellant. However, the respondent continued staying on the property without paying rent.

Aggrieved, the appellant instituted an action against the respondent at the lower court seeking some monetary reliefs. In response the respondent filed its defence and parties proceeded to trial. In a considered judgment, the lower court dismissed the appellant’s suit.

Dissatisfied with the decision of the lower court, the appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal.