A. AUGIE. J.C.A., (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The Appellant, who is a Legal Practitioner, was contracted by the Respondents, a Medical Doctor and his wife, to search and negotiate for a building for use as a Hospital. He was able to secure one at No 5, Bankole Crescent, Housing Estate, Ibara, Abeokuta, for the sum of N3,250,000.00, After paying for it, the Appellant prepared the transfer of ownership agreement, collected the title Deeds and passed them on to the Respondents.
When he served them with his professional bill, the Respondents paid a part of it, and despite several demands, refused to pay the balance, whereupon the Appellant filed an action at the Abeokuta High Court, wherein he claimed -
"The sum of N275,000,00 being the amount of indebtedness of the Defendants to the Plaintiff, as the Plaintiff professional fees for professional services rendered to the Defendants in a purchase of house worth N3,250,000.00. An interest on the amount at the rate of 21% from Februa…