The system of indirect rule failed in the former Eastern Nigeria primary because

The system of indirect rule in the former Eastern Nigeria failed primarily because the colonial officers imposed warrant chiefs on the people, who were not accepted by the local communities. This led to a lack of cooperation between the colonial officers and the local chiefs, as well as a fragmented political structure. Additionally, the high incidence of taxation imposed by the colonial officers caused resentment among the local population. All of these factors contributed to the failure of the system of indirect rule in the former Eastern Nigeria.