I. M. M. SAULAWA, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the judgment of the Rivers State High Court of Justice, holden at Port-Harcourt, which was delivered on 26/6/04 by W.A. Chechey, J; in favour of the Respondents (Plaintiffs) against the appellants (Defendants).
The genesis of this appeal is traceable to 30/9/03. That was the date on which the Respondent filed a writ of summons along with a statement of claim thereof in suit No. PHC/1660/2003, thereby seeking the following 5 reliefs:
(a) A DECLARATION that the 1st Plaintiff is the Okan-Ama of Ibatirem Town, Andoni, having been properly selected, presented and installed the Okan-Ama of Ibotirem Town by the Ibotirem Town.
(b) A DECLARATION that the 2nd Defendant is not the Okan-Ama of Ibotirem Town by reason of the fact that he is not a member of any of the Ruling families of Ibotirem Town and having not been properly selected, presented and installed the Okan-Ama of Ibatirem Town.
(c) A DECLARATION tha…