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Difficulty: MediumIndirect Rule System in Western and Eastern Nigeria

Which of the following factors primarily triggered popular opposition to the Indirect Rule system when it was introduced in Western Nigeria during British colonial administration?

  1. The introduction of direct taxation and the creation of Sole Native Authorities that bypassed traditional checks and balancesAnswer
  2. B
    The widespread boycott of colonial courts led by Christian missionary organizations across the region
  3. C
    The complete absence of traditional monarchical structures and centralized chieftaincy institutions
  4. D
    The refusal of Western educated elites to assume administrative roles as Warrant Chiefs

Answer

The introduction of direct taxation and the creation of Sole Native Authorities that bypassed traditional checks and balances
The Indirect Rule system encountered severe resistance in Western Nigeria because the British elevated traditional Obas into 'Sole Native Authorities', granting them autocratic powers that dismantled traditional checks and balances, while simultaneously imposing unpopular direct taxation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the traditional political structure of Western Nigeria before colonial rule.
Yoruba traditional governance operated as a constitutional monarchy where royal executive power was restrained by councils of chiefs and secret societies.
Understanding pre-colonial governance establishes why colonial modifications created systemic friction.
2
Analyze how British Indirect Rule altered local authority in the Western region.
The British designated Obas as 'Sole Native Authorities' with absolute powers and introduced direct taxation to fund local administration.
This administrative change removed traditional checks on royal autocracy while imposing uncustomary financial burdens.
3
Determine the primary cause of local hostility and civil unrest.
The erosion of democratic checks over rulers combined with direct taxation led directly to civil resistance (e.g., the Iseyin-Okeiho and Abeokuta riots).
This identifies the structural conflict unique to Western Indirect Rule implementation.

Key Concept

Disruption of Traditional Checks and Balances under Western Indirect Rule
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Indirect Rule System in Western and Eastern Nigeria