ln which region did the indirect rule system suffer the greatest opposition in Nigeria?

Analyze the question: It asks where indirect rule met its greatest opposition in Nigeria. Indirect rule was Lord Lugard's system of governing through traditional rulers.

Explain the concept: Indirect rule worked best where strong, centralized traditional institutions already existed. These were the emirate system in the North and, to a lesser extent, the Yoruba obas in the West. It worked poorly where there were no such institutions.

Working through the regions:

• Northern: The Hausa-Fulani emirate system had a clear hierarchy, taxation and Islamic law. Indirect rule was largely successful here, so opposition was minimal.
• Western: The Yoruba had obas and chiefs, so the system worked fairly well, though there were some problems such as the Egba tax revolt.
• Eastern: Igbo society was largely decentralized and democratic. It had no kings or chiefs with authority over wide areas. The British imposed "warrant chiefs", who were unpopular and lacked legitimacy. This caused widespread resentment, leading to the Aba Women's Riot of 1929, the strongest resistance to indirect rule in Nigeria.

Answer: The Eastern region, where the system was foreign to the people's political culture, suffered the greatest opposition.

Tip: Remember "North = success, East = failure." Link the Aba Women's Riot (1929) and warrant chiefs with the East whenever you see a question on the failure of indirect rule.