Theory question 107
Colonial AdministrationSection B
Why was Indirect Rule not successful in some parts of Nigeria?
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Model answer
East: absence of centralised traditional rulers; Igbo society was acephalous.
Warrant chiefs imposed by the British lacked legitimacy and were corrupt.
Republican and egalitarian nature of Igbo society: people would not accept one-man rule.
Introduction of direct taxation was resented (Aba Women's Riot, 1929).
West: Obas' powers were limited by councils (Oyomesi, Ogboni); making them autocratic caused conflict (e.g. Egba uprising 1918).
Opposition of the educated elite, who were excluded.
Absence of an existing system of taxation in the South.
Small, scattered communities and language differences.
Explanation
Concentrate on why it failed in the South.