The Warrant Chiefs: indirect rule in Southeastern Nigeria, 1891–1929 by A. E. Afigbo London, Longman, 1972. Pp. viii+ 336. £4.00. - The Evolution of the Nigerian State: the Southern phase, 1898–1914 by T. N. Tamuno London, Longman, 1972. Pp. xvi + 422. £4.00.

Abstract

London, Longman, 1972. Pp. xvi + 422. £4.00. Two important contributions to our knowledge of the local and central administrative history of Nigeria have recently been published in the Ibadan History Series. Both authors have done excellent work; their books have been developed from doctoral theses, and show evidence of 'in-depth' research, besides being well written. All those interested in colonial administration in Africa, especially at the turn of the century, will find these studies most useful. The Warrant Chiefs explains why British attempts to institute and impose a particular system of local administration failed in SouthEastern Nigeria. Dr A. E. Afigbo first examines the nature of the traditional social and political organisations in this part of West Africa and, contrary to the views held by other scholars, maintains that indirect rule started in the area of his study since the introduction of Sir Claude MacDonald's administration. After carefully examining both direct and indirect rule, in an attempt to clear the confusion surrounding these concepts, he conies to the following conclusion: This Crown Colony system was the original concept of Direct Rule-meaning a system of rule using British institutions and implementing British ideas of government. Its opposite was a system under which British institutions and ideas were deliberately excluded; instead an attempt was made to rule through the indigenous institutions of the colonised peoples. This was the original meaning of Indirect Rule [p. 5].

Echoes of Colonialism: Implications of Wrongful Dismissal Judgements in Nigeria and Canada

“…In order to achieve indirect colonial rule in Nigeria, reigning chiefs were disposed of, and loyalists were crowned as chiefs in order to propagate the British colonial power. Indirect rule served a "referee role" to teach the chief his duty as a ruler (Okafor, 1973).…”