In case a person or persons owning a one-half interest or more in the right to drill for and remove oil and gas from such lands has or have executed an oil and gas lease or leases to any person, firm or corporation, such lessee or lessees may institute and maintain or defend any suit provided for by this Act, either in the name of such lessee or lessees or in the name of his or its lessor or lessors.
765 ILCS 520/8