On January 1, 1914, British colonial administrator Lord Frederick Lugard signed the documents that amalgamated the Northern Protectorate and the Southern Protectorate, giving birth to what is known today as Nigeria. This unification was a significant event in the history of Nigeria, setting the stage for the country’s complex socio-political landscape. Lugard also introduced the indirect rule system, under which the British would govern through local intermediaries known as “warrant chiefs.” These warrant chiefs were appointed to execute the wishes of the British administrators, effectively serving as their local enforcers.
The System of Indirect Rule
The indirect rule system was designed to maintain control with minimal direct intervention by the British. By appointing local leaders who were loyal to the colonial government, the British could enforce their policies more effectively. However, this system also had its flaws. Many of the appointed warrant chiefs became oppressive, imposing harsh local regulations and imprisoning those who openly criticized them. They unjustly seized properties and imposed draconian taxes on the local populace.
The real trouble began when the British administrators, through their warrant chiefs, decided to impose special taxes on Igbo market women. These women were responsible for supplying food to major cities such as Calabar, Akwa Ibom, and Owerri. The new taxes threatened to drive many of these women out of business, potentially disrupting the food supply for the growing urban population.
The Aba Women’s War of 1929
In November 1929, thousands of women gathered at native administration centers in Calabar, Ikot Abasi in Akwa Ibom, and Aba. They chanted, sang, and marched in protest against the warrant chiefs and the new taxes. This movement, which came to be known as the Aba Women’s War or the Women’s War of 1929, marked a significant uprising against colonial rule.
The protests escalated when reports of shootings in Ikot Abasi emerged. The women responded by attacking and burning down native courts run by colonial officers. They also targeted European-owned stores and banks, broke into prisons, and released inmates. The intensity of the protests forced the colonial administration to call in troops and police to disperse the crowds. However, the colonial forces fired into the crowd, killing over 50 women and wounding more than 50 others.
The Impact of the Aba Women’s War
The Aba Women’s War involved over 25,000 women and lasted for about two months. It forced some warrant chiefs to resign and compelled colonial authorities to abandon their plans to impose taxes on the market women. The protests not only highlighted the oppressive nature of colonial rule but also demonstrated the strength and resilience of Nigerian women. The Aba Women’s War became a historic feminist movement, symbolizing the fight for justice and self-determination.
The amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 and the subsequent introduction of indirect rule set the stage for a series of uprisings and resistance movements against colonial oppression. The Aba Women’s War of 1929 stands out as a significant event in Nigeria’s pre-independence history. It showcased the courage and determination of Nigerian women and underscored the broader struggle for independence and self-governance. This movement remains a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring spirit of resistance against injustice.
Researched by: Jide Adesina
