ONU, J.S.C. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): In the High Court of Cross River (now Akwa-Ibom) State holden at Uyo in Suit No. HT/24/73 the plaintiffs, herein appellants, commenced an action against the respondents then defendants, claiming the following reliefs:-
"(1) A declaration of title to all that piece or parcel of land known as and called "Abasi Uta Ikot Ekpe" situated, lying and being at Ikot Ekpe in Ibiono, Itu Division within the jurisdiction of the Ikot Ekpene Judicial Division interferred with by the defendants about six months now.
(2) The sum of N1,000.00 as damages for trespass, committed by the defendants, their servants and/or their agents on the said piece of land by clearing it, digging it and planting oil seedlings a few weeks ago.
(3) An order of injunction restraining the defendants, their servants and/or their agents from further entering into the said piece of land and from repeating the said acts of trespass on the land".
After pleadings were ordered, filed…