Theory question 106
Colonial AdministrationIn what six ways did colonial rule contribute to the decline of the powers of the traditional rulers in West Africa?
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Any six: chiefs became subordinates of colonial officers (Residents/District Officers); deposition and exile of resisting rulers (e.g. Jaja of Opobo, Oba Ovonramwen of Benin); appointment of warrant chiefs without traditional legitimacy; colonial courts took over judicial functions; control of taxes and treasuries by the British; introduction of western education and Christianity that weakened traditional beliefs; rise of the educated elite who challenged chiefs; loss of military power and control of land; French policy of direct rule turned chiefs into mere agents; later local government reforms replaced native authorities with elected councils.
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