■Introduction
A cause of action is the legal right to sue someone for a wrong or injury.
In simpler terms, it's a set of facts or legal grounds that, if proven, entitle a person (the plaintiff) to obtain a remedy from a court against another person (the defendant).
It's the very foundation of a lawsuit, defining:
■ What happened: The specific acts or omissions that caused harm.
■ Who was harmed: The party whose rights were violated.
■ What law was broken: The legal principle or statute that applies.
■ What relief is sought: The remedy the plaintiff is asking the court for (e.g., money, specific performance, injunction).
Without a valid cause of action, a lawsuit cannot proceed, as there would be no legal basis for the court to grant relief.
It is the combination of facts and circumstances giving rise to the right to file a claim in court for a remedy.
P.H.C.N V. ALABI (2011) ALL FWLR (557) page 698 at 712, paras E-G.
