Why did the educated elites oppose the introduction of Indirect Rule in Southern Nigeria?
Explanation
Reasons why the educated elites opposed the introduction of Indirect. Rule in Southern Nigeria are:
(i) Illiteracy: Most of the traditional rulers and the local chiefs used in the system were illiterates.
(II) Warrant Chiefs: The failure of the Colonial authorities to properly identify the traditional institutions and the subsequent appointment of warrant chiefs in the eastern part of the country were some of the reasons for the opposition.
(iii)The educated elites were ignored and not used in the administration of the country.
(iv) Powers of the traditional rulers: Their powers were strengthened and they were given every support by the colonial authority, even when such powers ‘and their traditional roles were excessively exercised.
(v) Functions of the colonial authority: They performed both executive and judicial functions in the system, making it unacceptable and undemocratic.
(vi)Taxation: A different system of tax collection was introduced and imposed on the people. For example, the Warrant Chiefs used in the collection of tax in the east were highhanded. The Aba Women’s Riot of 1929 was as a result of introduc-tion of tax on women.
(vii) No respect for the
(viii) Appointment and deposition of chiefs: The colonial authority appointed and deposed traditional rulers and chiefs at will, without the consent of the people. This was un-African and was vehemently opposed by the educated elites.