The advantages of Indirect Rule

ADVANTAGES OF INDIRECT RULE

Recognition of traditional chiefs

The Ordinances that were passed by the Legislative Councils over the period of Indirect Rule recognized the importance of native or traditional rulers and the institutions they represented.

Preservation of native institutions

Indirect Rule largely depended on native institutions to survive. The native courts and the native chiefs were instrumental in the implementation of policies. This ensured that these native institutions were preserved.

It was cheaper

The employment of Europeans to come and work in the colonies would have been more expensive. This was because they needed to be paid accordingly. They had to be given accommodation and other fringe benefits. In the case of using the natives, no extra cost was incurred. This made it cheaper compared to the use of Europeans.

Eliminated bad traditional practices

The practice of Indirect Rule ensured that some of the practices that the colonialists found to be inhuman and obnoxious were all abolished. Slavery, for example, was banned in Northern Nigeria.

Modernization of traditional institutions

As the colonialist used the native institutions to administer the localities, some of the elements that were inhuman were replaced by more modern methods. This led to improvements in the traditional ways of administering law and order of justice.

Built trust

The fact that the Africans now saw themselves being ruled by their own very kind, encouraged them to trust the system and by extension the white European. Hitherto, there was mistrust. The Africans viewed the British with so much suspicion. The practice of Indirect Rule brought an end to this suspicion or brought it drastically down.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. a. Explain the concept of Indirect Rule. [2 marks]

    b. Highlight five advantages of Indirect Rule. [10 marks]

ALSO READ:
The features of Indirect Rule in West Africa
The advantages of Indirect Rule

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