MOHAMMED JSC (Delivering the Lead Judgment): The appellant in this appeal was the plaintiff at the High Court of Justice of Lagos State and the appellant at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division. The appellant was also an employee of the defendant/respondent bank where he rendered 21 years of service before his dismissal by a letter dated 19 December 1988. By a writ of summons and a statement of claim, the appellant challenged his dismissal at the Lagos High Court where he claimed for the following reliefs:
“(1) A declaration that the dismissal of the plaintiff from the defendant’s service vide letter reference No. PAD/TR/ STA.819 dated 19 December 1988 is unlawful, irregular, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.
(2) The sum of ₦285,690.00 (two hundred and eighty-five thousand, six hundred and ninety naira) being damages for breach of contract of employment committed by the defendant against the plaintiff on 19 December 1988.”
Before his dismissal, the appellant was issued…