"This book is a study between 1829 and 1939, of chieftaincy and political culture in Ibadan, the most populous city in what was Britain's largest West African colony, Nigeria. The book begins by examining the foundation of Ibadan as a war-camp in 1829 and the turbulent politics of the city and Yoruba region during the nineteenth century, characterised by intrigue, political suicides and civil unrest. It then goes on to investigate the institutionalisation of Ibadan chieftaincy during the early colonial period. The last part of the book presents an innovative analysis of the experience of the colonial policy of 'Indirect Rule' in the city." "The book offers a significant contribution to the social and cultural history of British colonial administration in Africa, as well as to the field of urban history. It will be of interest to historians, anthropologists and political scientists for its innovative approach to the study of political culture."--BOOK JACKET.