COLONIAL RULE AND THE CHIEFTAINCY SYSTEM IN EKITILAND, 1900-1960

ABSTRACT

The study has shown that before the advent of colonial rule, land in Africa had no much economic value, however, with the integration of Africa into the world capitalists system during the colonial period, land which was in most cases under the custodian of traditional rulers became a valuable commodity. Besides, the admixture of colonial and post-colonial native systems produced a cumulous of contradictions in the transfer of land and chieftaincy rights. It has been observed that Ekiti prior to the introduction of colonial rule had evolved a unique political system, in line with their environmental peculiarities and traditions. At the turn of the 20th century, things, however, went awry following the introduction of colonial rule in the area. In pre-colonial Nigeria, traditional rulers were rulers in every sense of the word as they derived their executive, legislative and judicial functions from traditions long rooted, recognised and revered by the people of their respective areas of authority. This meant that the traditional rulers were the true representatives of their people in all ramifications. This underscores the relevance of the traditional rulers to the overall development of their areas of jurisdiction.