Theory question 108
Colonial AdministrationSection B (answer two questions only from this section)
What part did chiefs play in the British colonial administration in Nigeria?
Show the model answer
Model answer
Served as the main agents of indirect rule, ruling their people for the British.
Collected taxes for the Native Treasury.
Maintained law and order through the native police.
Presided over native courts and settled disputes by customary law.
Communicated British policies and orders to the people.
Recruited labour for public works and soldiers during the World Wars.
Some were nominated to the Legislative Council and later to the Houses of Chiefs (1946/1951).
Warrant chiefs were created in the East where no chiefs existed.
Advised the British administrators on local customs.
Explanation
Explain each role with examples.