<p><strong> NGWUTA JSC (Delivering the Lead Judgment): </strong> In the originating summons issued at the High Court Registry, Ibadan, on 25 November 1992 , the appellants, as plaintiffs, posed the following question:</p><p>“Whether the plaintiffs are entitled to be paid compensation including interest for delayed payment for their land compulsorily acquired in 1963 along Araromi-Akufo Road, Ibadan. If the answer to the above question is in the affirmative then the plaintiffs claim:</p><p>(i) Declaration that under and by virtue of the provisions of section 31 of the Constitution of the Federation, 1963, No. 20, the plaintiffs are entitled to be paid compensation for their land situate along Araromi-Akufo road, Ibadan, compulsorily acquired by the defendants on or about 7 February 1963. ) Declaration that by virtue of the provisions of the Public Lands Acquisition (Miscellaneous Provisions)Act, 1976, No. 33, the plaintiffs are entitled to be paid interest at bank rate on the said compensation.</p><p>(i i) An order directing …</p>