AYOOLA, J.S.C. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This appeal arose from the decision of the High Court of the Rivers State (Ndu, J) by which judgment was entered for the present respondents (then and now referred to as "the plaintiffs") against the present appellants (then and now referred to as "the defendants") in the following terms:
"1. A declaration is hereby made to the effect that the plaintiffs herein. (i.e. the Ekoni family of Opume or Opomatobo) are entitled to the customary right of occupancy in respect of the land known as EDUMATA EMENI alias "EDUMAYO" adjudged In their favour by the Oloribiri Native Court in Suits Nos. 17/58 and 18/58 respectively which land is delineated and verged RED on Survey Plan No. BOE/R17/90-LD (Exhibit - P5) dated 19th November 1990.
2. A declaration is hereby made that all the issues already decided relating to the original settlement of Edumata Emeni alias "Edumayo" land by the Oloibiri Native Court in cases Nos. 17/58 and 18/58 are binding on…