JAMES SHEHU ABIRIYI, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The appellants took out a writ of summons dated 22nd August, 2013 against the Respondents in the High Court of Adamawa State holden at Yola. The claim of the Appellants against the Respondents and others as contained in the statement of claim is for the following:
1. A declaration that the ancestors of Gbanbu Patri clan were the original founders, settlers, owners and paramount rulers of Mapeo land in Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State and therefore the Gbanbu Patri clan is the legitimate heir to the District Headship of Mapeo, same being the Highest Chieftaincy stool in the present Day Mapeo land.
2. A declaration that Nyangurubu Patri clan, Dengbu Patri clan, Sanbu Patri clan, Wasambu Patri clan and Dengkunbu Matri clan are immigrant clans who arrived Mapeo land at different times and were welcomed and allowed to settle down in their present settlements in Mapeo land as customary tenants by the original founders a…