ACCENTUATING THE PARADIGM SHIFT IN THE LEGAL PROCEDURE FOR CHANGE OF NAME(S) OR CORRECTION OF DISCREPANCIES IN NAME(S) IN NIGERIA

Abstract In Nigeria, the usual practice for change of names or reconciling discrepancies in document is for the affected person to either depose to an affidavit in Court or take out newspaper publication signaling change of name. These procedures were taken to be legally effective until recent judicial decisions to the contrary. In order to illuminate this paradigm shift, and for proper guidance of members of the public, this paper analysed judicial decisions on the issue. It established that the only legally binding format for name change or clarification of discrepancies in certificates is through a duly gazetted deed poll. The paper also found out that once this procedure is adopted, the legal efficacy kicks in and the Courts will seldom question the validity of the contents of the deed poll. To avoid deed poll being subjected to abuse and eventually used as instrument of perpetrating fraud and misrepresentation by a person bearing multiple names, it was recommended that publication in a newspaper that circulates nationwide should be a condition precedent attached to change of name contained in the deed poll before it is gazetted.