ICANBusiness LawLaw of Contract: Formation2023

On May 2, Chief Okon posted a letter offering to sell his tractor to Alabi for ₦12,000,000. Alabi received the letter on May 4 and posted a letter of acceptance on May 6. Chief Okon received the acceptance letter on May 9. Meanwhile, Chief Okon posted a letter revoking the offer on May 5, which Alabi received on May 8. On which date was a valid contract formed between Chief Okon and Alabi?

AMay 4, when Alabi received the offer
BMay 6, when Alabi posted the letter of acceptanceCORRECT
CMay 8, when Alabi received the letter of revocation
DMay 9, when Chief Okon received the acceptance letter
AI
Toaster Teacher
Why the answer is B, and why the others tempt you.
Under the postal rule (Adams v Lindsell), acceptance sent by post is complete and effective the moment the letter of acceptance is correctly posted (May 6). In contrast, revocation of an offer is effective only when actually received by the offeree (May 8). Since acceptance occurred on May 6 before revocation took effect on May 8, a valid contract was formed on May 6.
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