Per Hon.Justice Adewale Thompson: 17th April,1969.

Suit no AB/26/66 at Abeokuta Division of the High Court.

"I do not accept the contention of Defendants that a custom exists which imposes an obligation on the owner of farm to fence his farm whilst the owner of cattle allows his cattle to wander like pests and cause damage. Such a custom if it exists, is unreasonable and I hold that it is repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience and therefore unenforceable...in that it is highly unreasonable to impose the burden of fencing a farm on the farmer without the corresponding obligation on the cattle owner to fence in his cattle."

This is a judgement fairly delivered in 1969 regarding herdsmen/farmers relationship. It was and still is part of the solution to the politically planned insecurity facing us today. Amost 50 years after that judgement, even "the most educated" in our society are not prepared to accept that inspirational judgement, which if guided by it, will save lives and properties with the attendant peaceful co-existance amongst all. This judgement should be circulated widely so that those objecting to "Ranching" which is another name for "Cattle Colonies" may have a rethink of their opposition to the FG proposal on the programme.