A common feature of pre-independence constitutions of British West African colonies was the _________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for a feature that was common to the pre-independence constitutions of British West African colonies (Nigeria, Ghana/Gold Coast, Sierra Leone, The Gambia). Examples include the Clifford (1922), Richards (1946), Macpherson (1951) and Lyttleton (1954) Constitutions in Nigeria.

Step 2: Explain the concept Under colonial rule, power was concentrated in the hands of the British Governor. The colonial system was not built on the separation of powers. Instead, the Governor was the central figure in all arms of government.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Existence of separation of power: Incorrect. Colonial rule fused powers rather than separating them. The Governor controlled the executive and legislative functions and could veto laws.
• B. Governor's membership of both the legislative and executive councils: Correct. In the colonies, the Governor presided over the Legislative Council and also headed the Executive Council. This was a fusion of powers and appeared in the constitutions across the British West African territories.
• C. Adoption of federalism: Incorrect. Federalism came in Nigeria only with the 1954 Lyttleton Constitution. It was not common to all the colonies. Ghana, Sierra Leone and The Gambia had unitary arrangements.
• D. Establishment of council of elders: Incorrect. This is a traditional institution, not a feature of colonial constitutions. The closest equivalents were the Native Authorities under indirect rule.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is B. The Governor sat in both the Legislative and Executive Councils, which shows the fusion of powers under colonial rule.

Exam tip: Remember "Governor = Boss of everything." If you see a question on colonial constitutions, look for the option that shows concentrated power in the Governor. Options mentioning separation of powers are usually wrong for colonial setups.