Theory question 108
Colonial AdministrationSection B (answer two questions from this section)
Account for the introduction of the Indirect Rule system in Nigeria and its failure in some parts of the country.
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Reasons for introduction: shortage of British staff; shortage of funds; vast territory and poor communication; existing well-organised emirate system in the North (Lugard's experience); language barrier; to preserve local customs and avoid resistance; success elsewhere (e.g. India, Uganda).
Reasons for failure in some parts (especially the East and partly the West): no centralised traditional authority in Igbo land, so the British created warrant chiefs who lacked legitimacy; resistance by the people, e.g. Aba Women's Riot of 1929 over taxation; the educated elite opposed it; in the West, the Obas' powers were limited by councils of chiefs, so making them autocratic caused conflict; introduction of direct taxation was resented.
Two parts: why it was introduced, and why it failed in the South-East (and partly the West).