Posted by Chester Morton / Monday 20 June 2016 / No comments
The role of chiefs under British colonial Rule
Administration
With the help of the Council of Elders, the traditional
rulers administered their area of jurisdiction. They took decisions in line
with British colonial policy and ensured that they were implemented. The
traditional rulers passed bye-laws, maintained law and order, supervised
communal labour and projects. Note that where there were no recognized chiefs,
the British appointed Warrant Chiefs.
Formulation and execution of policies
The traditional rulers were made a part of the
colonial administrative system. The traditional rulers formulated and executed
colonial policies in their areas of jurisdiction. However, this was done under
the supervision of and the based on the advice of British resident officials,
though they remained in the background.
Judicial functions
There was a native court established by the
British. Under the system, the traditional rulers had the power to settle
disputes. They tried offenders of the law and imposed the appropriate punishment,
all these under the supervision of British officials. Three different laws were
applied. These included customary law, Islamic law in the case of Northern
Nigeria, and sometimes English common laws.
Collection of taxes
The British colonial authorities gave powers
to the traditional rulers to collect taxes. These taxes were paid into a Native
Treasury which was established. The Native Treasuries provided funds to finance
the local administration and development projects. They also issued licenses
for which fees were paid and market tolls. Court fines were also paid into the
Native Treasury.
Custodians of land
The traditional rulers served as the
custodians of the lands. They were authorized to distribute land to the people
for purposes of various projects including, but not limited to farming, the building of houses, and the building of markets and for other economic activities.
Acted as law-makers
Some of the traditional rulers were appointed
into the Legislative Council. This was the case under the Guggisberg
Constitution of 1925. Under the constitution, six paramount chiefs served in
the Legislative Council. These chiefs in the Legislative Council partook in
law-making for their respective colonies.
Signed Treaties
In the periods leading to the formation of the
colonies into what they became before their respective independence, some
chiefs were involved in the signing of pledges, treaties, and conventions with
the British. One of these treaties was the Bond of 1844.
SAMPLE QUESTION(S)
1. Highlight six roles of the traditional
rulers under the British colonial system in West Africa.
2. What were the six functions performed by
the traditional rulers under the British Colonial rule in West Africa?
