Political Activities in Ado - Ekiti during Colonial Era

Abstract

This paper examines the political activities of the people of Ado-Ekiti during the colonial period. It shows the lifestyle in Ado-Ekiti prior to the advent of colonialism when the family compounds were known by the names of the ancestral chieftaincies. The study highlights the nature of the British military officers, the role played by Captain R. L Bower who clamped down on Ekitiparapo war chiefs up till 1894. The control of Ado-Ekiti fell on Mr. G. E. Humphery in January 1^st 1913 as the first British political officer of Ekiti District. Basic facilities were provided, native court was established at Oke Barracks, and religious activities were introduced (Islam and Christianity 1894 and 1897 respectively). By 1940s, modern political activities have been extended by politicians took politics to places like Ado-Ekiti. The political activities engendered the grass root development and promoted peace and development in the area of study. Data for this research was obtained through oral interview, focus group discussion complimented with secondary sources obtained through conference proceedings and journal articles.

Keywords: Nigeria, Colonial Administration, Politics, Ado-Ekiti, Religion