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African Area Studies 1

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African Area Studies

Ijebu Ode, the major city in Ijebu country in the late 19th century, was where the

deterioration of conventional governmental power first became apparent. The educated elite of

Ijebu Ode benefited politically and socially from their education (Nwauwa,2020). The

modernization of Ijebu Ode assisted this process by providing access to education for the

common elite population, allowing them to benefit from the growth of new knowledge and

innovative ideas.

From the political expansion of the ''educated elite'' of Ijebu, Nigeria, what role did this

group play toward an independent Nigeria?

The Ijebu people of what is now Nigeria started to rebel against colonial control in the

latter part of the 19th century as the British Empire carried on its conquest of Africa. An

educated elite among the Ijebu had developed, and they considered education the path to

obtaining political and economic independence (Iliffe, 2005). This elite got involved in the fight

for Nigeria's independence and helped plan the uprising against British rule. After years of

conflict, Nigeria attained independence in 1942. The role that the educated elite played in this

history is an important illustration of how a small number of passionate people can accomplish

tremendous things. Their work paved the way for Nigeria's independence and set the stage for its

future prosperity.

From the political expansion of the ''educated elite'' of Ijebu, Nigeria, how did the role of

the ''chief' 'change in connection with the rise of the ''educated elite''?

With the rise of the "learned elite," the function of the "chief" in Ijebu, Nigeria, changed.

The top of the educated class could advance politically by using their knowledge and abilities.
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As a result, the educated elite could assume more significant societal roles, resulting in the chiefs

losing their sway and authority (Iliffe, 2005). This transformation was most noticeable in the

political sphere, where the chiefs could no longer exercise real power. Some leaders lost their

authority, and the educated elite ultimately overthrew them. As a result of the growth of the

educated elite, the chief's function in Ijebu underwent a significant transformation. Overall, this

expansion demonstrated how education and training could result in governmental authority and

social impact.
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References

Iliffe, J. (2005). Honour in African history. Cambridge University Press.

Okwuchi Nwauwa, A. (2020). Western education and the rise of a new African elite in West

Africa. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of African

History. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190277734.013.282