The facts constituting the defence of laches and acquiescence can be gleaned from paragraphs 13, 14, 19, 24, 29, 31, 32, 42 and 48 of the Statement of defence of the defendant/appellant. The contention of the appellant is that the weighty averments made in these paragraphs were not in any way controverted by the plaintiff/respondent. It is trite principle of law that any fact in a pleading that is not denied or controverted is deemed admitted. However, where issues have been joined between the parties by the averments in the statement of defence, a reply on any such issue joined is unnecessary.
— T. Akomolafe-Wilson, JCA. Alabi v Audu (2017) – CA/A/494/2014