Interrogating the 1924/55 Anti-tax Movement in Colonial Ogbomosho
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Date
2015-12
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University of Ilorin Library and Publications Committee
Abstract
This article drew attention to the introduction of some debilitating British tax policies that led to the 1924/55 anti-tax disturbances in colonial Ogbomoso„ Adopting both primary and secondary sources, the study explored the causes/course of these tax movements while attempting a comparative study of both crises. The article also underpinned the reasons behind the struggles between representatives of an urban-oriented policy of development and the peasant farmers; it exposed the weaknesses of colonial tax policies by looking at how the western educated elite in Ogbomoso contested the imposition of high taxes on their personal incomes and strongly asserted themselves. The exorbitant taxes and issues that arose from theft and defalcation of tax monies were also identified as significant factors that led to the 1955 riot. The paper found that the British introduction of its taxation policy in order to source for revenue to finance its administration engendered fierce opposition from the indigenous people; it not only led to disruptions in the traditional system and peaceful coexistence that was prevalent before their arrival, it also resulted in unmitigated disharmony in the economic activities of the indigenous people. The article concluded that the struggle between the peasants/elite and those seeking to extract taxes led to people's defiance of British tax legislation in movements that were powered by rational and innovative ideologies; and philosophies that were disruptive necessities to the British colonial tax policy that had no human face. Finally, it also concluded that taxation and tax related considerations were significantly responsible for the altercations between the British colonial government and the Ogbomoso people in 1924 and 1955.
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Ogbomosho, Riot, Taxation, Western Region, Nigeria