UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA FACULTY OF ARTS DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES BRITISH CONQUEST AND ADMINISTRATION OF NGWALAND, 1892-1960 A PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS, DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, FACULTY OF ARTS, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA BY ALOZIE, BRIGHT CHIAZAM PG/MA/11/51254 SUPERVISOR: DR. PAUL OBI-ANI SEPTEMBER 2013 Title Page British Conquest and Administration of Ngwaland, 1892-1960 Approval Page This project report has been approved for the Department of History and International Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. ___________________ _________________ Dr. P. O. Obi-Ani Dr. P. O. Obi-Ani Supervisor Head of Department ________________ External Examiner ______________ Certification Page We certify that Alozie, Bright Chizam (PG/MA/11/51254) has satisfactorily carried out all the corrections on his work as suggested by the External Examiner. ___________________ _________________ Dr. P. O. Obi-Ani Dr. E. N. Uchendu Supervisor Head of Department ____________________ Professor U. C. Anyanwu Dean of Faculty Dedication In appreciation of Jehovah for his loving kindness towards me. In posthumous tribute to My dad, whose quiet life, snapped away, spring dirges in the heart of my soul In doting gratitude to Grace Atuonwu for her interminable love. To the entire family of Maduforo Alozie This project is affectionately and gratefully dedicated. Acknowledgements The challenges encountered in the course of writing this work, as would be expected from a professional beginner, were quite massive. It is thus with humility that I appreciate all who contributed to making my dream a success; though I must state that it is very difficult to remember all the influences that brought this work to fruition. All praises and thanks go to our Almighty Father, Jehovah, for imbuing me with power beyond what is normal to finish my programme despite the ups and downs along the way. Much guidance and intellectual sustenance came from many of my academic mentors of whom I shall mention specifically. Dr. Paul Obi-Ani has really been the mentor I so desired; the journey began at his feet, he saw the harvest even before planting season began and in advance, knitted big baskets with fronds of faith. His scholarly attention, understanding, patience, empathy, useful suggestions and accommodating spirit really saw me the duration of this work. His Obi-Nwanne and humane heart resurrects dead dreams. Professor Okoro Ijoma has equally been the father I sought for, his constant encouragement, corrections and kind-heartedness proved invaluable to me. Dr. J. O. Ahazuem whose sense of humour, advice and fatherly encouragement made me see light at the end of every dark tunnel is respectfully acknowledged. Dr. Egodi Uchendu is duly acknowledged for her contributions in ensuring that I complete my programme in record time. Professor Onwuka Njoku deserves many plaudits for the sublime way he critiqued my work and helped shape the theoretical basis of this project. Professor Uchenna Anyanwu has always been an inspirer in this work; I fondly appreciate his encouragement and support. Drs. Opata Chukwuma, Apex Apeh, C. Ajaebili, Messrs Chidi Amaechi, Obinna Muoh and Vitalis Nwashindu have all made meaningful contributions to my career and deserve to be appreciated. I also thank the administrative staff of History and International Studies, University of Nigeria and the staff of the National Archives, Enugu for assisting me with materials for this work. I specially appreciate my mum, Ifeoma Alozie, for her moral support and belief that we shall reap in due season if we do not tire out; she is a woman with a man’s mettle. To my siblings, Nne, Muna and Osy, thank you for understanding my tight academic schedule and contending with me; you have kept faith in me. To Grace, thank you MyGem for lovingly being by my side and caring for and assisting me all through this project; you have proved that water could be as thick as blood, even thicker. To Fidelis Okoro, thank you for your tender affection and accommodating spirit which created the serene environment for me to finish my course; you are more than a match. To Ita Okokon, you are a friend and brother; your sacrifices on my behalf are appreciated. To Linda Emesama, your constant concern over my project gingered me a lot; you are cherished with relish. To Joseph Umezurike, the strength of our friendship ties me in bonds with you. I specially appreciate my colleagues and close friends: Mrs. Ngozika Obi-Ani for treating me as a brother with all warmth and giving me a taste of friendship which I cannot but continue to cherish and cherish; Mr. Chimee Ihediwa for his friendship and “big brother” impact in my life; Justice Agoha (Prof.) for years of friendship and trust; Kelechi Ugwuanyi for being the brother I need in a friend; and Ugochi Ezema for her loving concern. My postgraduate colleagues have contributed in no small measure to assist me in my work; you are a class of your own, a quintessential one. I really appreciate my student librarians for giving me the enabling environment to finish my work with ease; you are a joy to work with. I thank my cartographer, Ndichie Cosmas Chinemelum for taking the time to produce maps of such finesse quality for me; your craft is a pleasantness to behold. With you all, I am sure it is possible to live in peace on earth forever; you are all brothers in friends. I would not forget to acknowledge authors whose works I tacitly or directly referenced, cited or quoted; you have proved to me that no man is an island at all. I thank all my friends – for understanding or pretending to understand when I did not take/return their calls and text messages because I just could not; for bearing with me when things were tough and rough; for taking care of me when I was sick; for accommodating my excesses and exuberances; and for forgiving me because all their names cannot be written here. In fact, this work is a tribute in acknowledgement of every support, love and encouragement you have shown me thus far. May Jehovah God bountifully reward you all. Abstract Colonial rule in Africa is one of the experiences in African history that cannot be easily forgotten with the passage of time. It was an experience which began with the scramble for, partitioning and eventual conquest of African societies. The study of colonial interactions in Africa has received commendable attention from scholars over the years. Nigeria is one of the colonized countries that felt the pangs of colonial rule for over half a century. This study deals with the British conquest and administration of Ngwaland from 1892-1960. The coming of the British and its impact is still a factor to reckon with in the history of any given group not only in Igboland, but in Africa as a whole. Consequently, much has been written about the colonial period although in some cases, information about the African side of the story is incomplete. This work is a contribution to the African side of the story with the Ngwa of Southeastern Nigeria as a case study. By adopting the qualitative research methodology, the work arrives at a holistic narrative on the British presence in Ngwaland. Information on this narrative relied largely on oral interviews, government gazettes, archival materials and relevant secondary materials. Attempts have been made to adequately interpret, analyze data obtained and present results thematically and chronologically. The study adopts an interdisciplinary approach using tools from geography, archaeology and sociology. The aim is to reconstruct the colonial history of Ngwaland as well as examine its conquest and administration by the British and determine the extent they were willing to go in order to fully exploit the potential gains in the land and beyond. The work will also examine the degree and pattern of response adopted by the Ngwa to the challenge of an allien rule. There is no doubt that this work provides a safety pad on which to assess British impact on Ngwaland as well as further research into other salient aspects of the history of Ngwaland yet to be studied. It will also assist in understanding the process of social change and adaptation in the face of challenges. However, the author takes the responsibility of all the surviving imperfections in this work. Table of Contents Title page …………………………………………………….…………………….. i Approval page ……………………………………………………………………… ii Dedication ………………………………………………………………………….. iii Acknowledgements ………………………………………………………………… iv Abstract …………………………………………………………………………….. vi Table of Contents …………………………………………………………………... vii List of Illustrations ………………………………………………………………….. viii List of Abbreviations ……………………………………………………………….. ix CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION …………………………………………… 2 Background of Study ……………………………………………………………….. Statement of the Problem …………………………………………………………… Purpose of Study…………………………………………………………………….. Significance of Study ……………………………………………………………….. Scope of Study ………………………………………………………………………. Sources, Methodology and Organization ……………………………………………. Theoretical Framework ……………………………………………………………… Literature Review ……………………………………………………………………. CHAPTER TWO: NGWALAND ON THE EVE OF BRITISH CONQUEST … Social and Political Organization …………………………………….. Military Organization ………………………………………………… Economic Structure …………………………………………………… CHAPTER THREE: AKWETE AND THE OBEGU MASSACRE, 1892-1902 .. British Interest and Establishment in Akwete ………………………………………. The Treaty-Making Phase