The British Colonial Administration in Ogbomosoland 1900-1960

Abstract

The paper examines the British administrative system in colonial Ogbomoso. It identifies and analyses how Ogbomoso became a safe-haven for traditional rulers and their subjects during the Yoruba civil wars of 19th century. The inception of British in Yorubaland in 1893 created a new epoch in administrative system among Yoruba race and Ogbomoso inclusive. The then Bale Ogbomoso was saddled with responsibility of administrative and judicial matter as well as political head of the town with the support of his llu chiefs for utmost performance. This work therefore looks at the Native Local Authority system in colonial Ogbomoso and its effects on post-colonial socio-political system. Its methodology consists of archival and supplemented with a few existing written works on Ogbomoso history. The paper gave a clear picture of colonial administrative system in the town. It equally identified the role played by Soun of Ogbomoso in the colonial administration. The paper recommended that current local government system should be effectively utilized for good governance in Nigeria.