Social and Economic Development of Akoko Society under Colonial Rule

The Akoko people are domiciled in the eastern part of Ondo State, and northeast Yorubaland, Nigeria. In 1897, Akokoland was conquered and brought under British rule. The transformatory impact of British colonial rule, especially in relation to Akoko economy and society still require scholarly attention. Between 1897 and 1960, Akokoland underwent a considerable degree of socio-economic transformation under British rule. In the social sphere, Western education provided Akoko indigenes with the requisite training to take up employment in the local administration workforce. The introduction and promotion of Christianity by European/expatriate missionaries and the colonial officials significantly undermined Akoko traditional religion, which the Akoko people resisted albeit briefly and unsuccessfully. Economically, British rule bequeathed to Akokoland a modern road network, which marked a clear departure from the pre-colonial road system in terms of socio-economic utility value. This was, however, accompanied by the introduction and use of forced labour. The evolution and growth of cash crop economy and the introduction of British currency created a new commercial elite of Akoko middlemen, leading to higher purchasing power and the transformation of Akoko architecture. The intensive drive for cash crop production and the attendant scarcity of land resulted in frequent land disputes and food crisis. This study, therefore, examined the role of British rule in Akoko economy and society between 1897 and 1960, with a view to identifying the significant social and economic transformations during the study period. It concludes that British rule served as an agent of positive and negative socio-economic transformation in Akokoland.