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Question

Difficulty: MediumIndirect Rule System in Western and Eastern Nigeria

In Eastern Nigeria, British attempts to implement Indirect Rule met severe resistance because the indigenous society was decentralized. Which colonial institution was artificially introduced to enforce local administration and tax collection, subsequently provoking widespread political unrest such as the Aba Women's War of 1929?

  1. Warrant Chiefs and Native CourtsAnswer
  2. B
    Advisory Executive Councils led by educated elites
  3. C
    Sole Native Authorities modeled after Northern Emirate Viziers
  4. D
    Customary Houses of Chiefs dominated by Christian missionaries

Answer

The colonial administration created Warrant Chiefs and Native Courts to impose centralized administration in the decentralized Igbo society of Eastern Nigeria.
Because Eastern Nigeria lacked centralized rulers, the British created Warrant Chiefs via royal warrants to serve as local administrators and tax collectors. The oppressive practices of these artificial figures and rumors of female taxation directly triggered the Aba Women's War of 1929.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the pre-colonial political structure of Eastern Nigeria
Recognize that Eastern Nigeria was primarily acephalous (decentralized), lacking centralized monarchs or standing administrative apparatuses.
Indirect Rule required local traditional rulers to act as intermediaries for British District Officers.
2
Identify the colonial intervention designed to overcome this absence of central authority
The British issuing warrants to individuals (Warrant Chiefs) to preside over Native Courts and collect taxes.
This artificial creation of authority violated traditional decision-making consensus, causing corruption and widespread revolt.

Key Concept

Warrant Chief System in Eastern Nigeria
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Topics

Indirect Rule System in Western and Eastern Nigeria