Question

Difficulty: MediumIndirect Rule System in Western and Eastern Nigeria

In Western Nigeria, British Indirect Rule generated political tension primarily because colonial policy centralized executive power in the Oba as a 'Sole Native Authority', effectively bypassing traditional constitutional checks such as those exercised by the Oyomesi.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True

The statement accurately reflects historical facts: by making the Oba the Sole Native Authority, the British disrupted traditional Yoruba constitutional checks like the Oyomesi, leading to popular discontent and uprisings such as the Adubi War.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Examine the institutional adjustments made by the British when introducing Indirect Rule to Yoruba kingdoms in Western Nigeria.

The colonial administration appointed paramount rulers (Obas) as Sole Native Authorities.

The British attempted to mirror the centralized autocratic administrative model successfully used in the Northern Emirates.

2

Analyze how this centralized model altered traditional Yoruba constitutional arrangements.

Traditional institutions of checks and balances—such as the Oyomesi kingmakers and Ogboni society—were excluded from governance.

The Oba's power became backed by colonial force rather than dependence on council consensus and accountability to subjects.

Key Concept

Disruption of Traditional Checks and Balances in Western Nigerian Indirect Rule

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Topics

Indirect Rule System in Western and Eastern Nigeria