COLONIAL RULE IN AGBOR 1900-1960

This research examines the diverse impact of British colonial rule on Agbor, a significant community in Delta State, Nigeria presently, between 1900 and 1960. While the imposition of colonial administration brought about a semblance of "peace and order" and introduced modern infrastructure such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, this research argues that these developments were primarily designed to facilitate the extraction of resources and consolidate British control. The research will analyze the profound transformations in Agbor's traditional political structures, particularly the erosion of the authority of the Obi and the emergence of warrant chiefs, leading to shifts in local governance and power dynamics. Economically, the integration into the global capitalist system through the introduction of cash crops and taxation altered traditional agrarian practices and fostered new forms of economic dependency. Furthermore, the research will explore the socio-cultural ramifications, including the introduction of Western education and Christianity, which challenged indigenous belief systems and social norms, leading to both assimilation and resistance. By drawing on archival records, oral histories, and secondary sources, this research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how Agbor navigated and responded to the pressures of colonial rule, highlighting both the imposed changes and the resilience of its people in preserving aspects of their cultural identity amidst significant societal upheaval.