FATAYI-WILLIAMS, J.S.C (Delivering the Leading Judgment): In his amended writ of summons in suit No. UHC/32/67 filed in the High Court at Ughelli, the plaintiff claimed as follows:
"1. Against the first defendant:12,000 being compensation due to the plaintiff from the first defendant in respect of prospecting for oil and mining operations, carried out by the first defendant on the plaintiff's piece of land at Abadiama situate between Ovworighala and Abadiama Vlllage in Ughievben Clan within the Judicial Division of this Honourable Court since 1965.
2. Against 2nd and 3rd Defendants: Declaration of title as owners under Urhobo Customary Law of the land lying and situate between Abadiama and Ovworighala Villages of Ughievben Clan, Ughelli Judicial Division, Delta Province of the Mid-Western State of Nigeria."
Because of the crucial role which pleadings are likely to play in the course of these proceedings, the pleadings will be set out in more detail than usual. Paragraphs 2, 3,4, 5, 6 …