The first respondent (Petromoc Exor) entered into a 25-year lease agreement in May 2001 with Duncombe Farm (Pvt) Limited for a fuel filling station located on Duncombe Farm in Concession, Mashonaland Central Province. The first respondent effected improvements including fuel tanks, pumps and a canopy. In September 2013, the first respondent entered into a franchise agreement with the appellant to operate the fuel station. However, Duncombe Farm had been acquired by the State and gazetted for acquisition in January 2002 under the Land Acquisition Act. The appellant took occupation under the franchise agreement but later refused to pay franchise fees, claiming he had a lease agreement with Mazowe Rural District Council from July 2013. In 2016, the first respondent applied to the third respondent (Minister of Lands) for a lease of the fuel station. A written lease agreement was signed in July 2019, to run from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2024. However, the appellant refused to vacate despite efforts by the third respondent to evict him. The first respondent filed an application for declaratory relief in July 2020.