Under colonial rule, the powers of tribal chiefs changed significantly and were largely diminished. Before the British arrived, tribal chiefs held considerable economic and administrative authority. They controlled their territories, had their own police, and made local rules concerning land and forest management. They were respected leaders with traditional authority over their people. However, under British colonial rule:
- Tribal chiefs lost much of their administrative power and were forced to comply with laws made by British officials rather than their own traditional laws.
- They had to pay tribute to the British government.
- Chiefs were expected to discipline their people on behalf of the British, often acting as agents of colonial control rather than autonomous leaders.
- While they were allowed to retain land titles over clusters of villages and could rent out lands, their overall authority and traditional functions were significantly reduced.
- They lost the respect and control they previously enjoyed among their people, becoming subordinate to colonial administration rather than independent rulers.
In summary, colonial rule transformed tribal chiefs from autonomous leaders into intermediaries who enforced colonial policies, resulting in a substantial loss of their traditional powers and status
