73 AFRREV, VOL. 9(1), S/NO 36, JANUARY, 2015 An International Multidisciplinary Journal, Ethiopia Vol. 9(1), Serial No. 36, January, 2015:73-94 ISSN 1994-9057 (Print) ISSN 2070--0083 (Online) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/afrrev.v9i1.7 Colonial Rule and Industrialization in Esan, Benin Province, Nigeria: A Case Study of Institutional Adaptation Osagie, Joseph Inegbenebho Department of History and International Studies University of Benin P.M.B. 1154, Benin City Edo State, Nigeria E-Mail:
[email protected]. G.S.M. +2348056410713 & Otoide, Leo Enahoro Department of History and International Studies University of Benin P.M.B. 1154, Benin City Edo State, Nigeria Abstract This paper examines the operation of British economic policy in Esan specifically as it relates to industrialization. Before the emergence of the British colonizers, the people of Esan were engaged in cottage industries which included cloth weaving (textile), basket and rope weaving, wood carving (art and craft), blacksmithing, pottery, soap and palm oil processing, palm wine tapping and food processing. The paper Copyright © IAARR, 2015: www.afrrevjo.net Indexed African Journals Online: www.ajol.info 74 AFRREV, VOL. 9(1), S/NO 36, JANUARY, 2015 argues that a traditional industrial structure and practice in Esan had attained a level of sophistication prior to the emergence of British who sought to impose new demands on society. The people as well as their institutions were not receptive to the new demands. Rather, there was a conscious effort to meet colonial expectations while at the same time formulating strategies that would accommodate the traditional practices.