Funkcjonowanie systemu indirect rule na terenie kolonialnej Nigerii w świetle obecnych badań

The article reviews key literature on Nigerian colonial history, particularly the works of prominent Nigerian scholars such Adiele Afigbo and Toyin Falola. It delves into the complexities of indirect rule, including its contradictions and impact on the modernization process in southern Nigeria. It also discusses the ways in which British authorities manipulated traditional power structures, creating a new elite and reinforcing social hierarchies, while often undermining indigenous institutions. The study highlights the historical context and the significant influence of British colonialism on the political, social, and economic fabric of Nigerian society. It focuses on the different manifestations of indirect rule in various regions, notably among the Hausa in the north, the Yoruba in the southwest, and the Igbo in the southeast, demonstrating how it contributed to deepening ethnic, cultural, and social divisions in the country.