Facts:

A dispute arose as a result of occupation of a parcel of land by the respondent at Agbon village in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State. According to the appellants, the land in dispute was found by one Ogundipe who migrated from Ijebu-Ode, lived and farmed crops on the land with his children who also continued after his demise. The land was subsequently occupied by the appellants who enjoyed possession free from encumbrance until the respondent trespassed.
On the part of the respondent, it acquired the right of occupancy to the land from the Lagos State government who had acquired same and paid the necessary compensation to the individuals affected by the displacement. The land was to be used for the development of the area as free trade zone of national and international standard. The appellants were aggrieved by the trespass of its land and proceeded to file an action at the lower Court. The Court heard both parties and in its final judgment dismissed the appellants claim on the grounds that they failed to plead and prove the genealogy tree of their title to the parcel of land.
Dissatisfied with the decision of the lower Court the appellants appealed to the Court of Appeal.