A major function of Warrant Chiefs was to

Analyze the question: It asks about the major function of Warrant Chiefs, a feature of British colonial rule in Nigeria, especially in Eastern Nigeria (Igbo land).

Explain the concept: Under Indirect Rule, the British relied on traditional rulers to administer local areas. In Eastern Nigeria, where there were no centralized chiefs (Igbo society was largely acephalous, meaning without kings), the British created "Warrant Chiefs." These were men appointed and given a warrant (an official document) authorizing them to rule on behalf of the colonial government. They were introduced by Lord Lugard's system and expanded under the Native Courts Proclamation of 1901.

Their roles included:

• Sitting as members of the Native Courts (judging cases)
• Maintaining law and order locally
• Collecting taxes
• Providing labour for colonial projects
• Generally acting as the agents of local administration for the colonial government

Step-by-step analysis of the options:

• A. Take charge of local administration: This is the broadest and most accurate description. Warrant Chiefs were the colonial government's local administrators in their areas.
• B. Stop ritual killings: The colonial government did oppose such practices, but this was not the main function of the Warrant Chiefs.
• C. Prevent tribal wars: Peace-keeping was a general colonial aim, not the defining role of Warrant Chiefs.
• D. Supervise native courts and markets: Warrant Chiefs did sit in native courts, but "supervising markets" was not a defining function. The option is too narrow and partly inaccurate.

Warrant Chiefs were established essentially to take charge of local administration on behalf of the British.

Exam tip: When you see "Warrant Chiefs," think "administration agents of the British in the East". Remember also that they were resented because many were not traditional leaders, and this contributed to the Aba Women's Riot of 1929. In JAMB, when one option states the general role and others state narrow, specific tasks, the general one is usually correct.