A popular principle of colonial administration in British West Africa was

The popular principle of colonial administration in British West Africa was indirect rule. Indirect rule is a system of governance where the colonial power rules through existing indigenous authorities or rulers. In the case of British West Africa, the British used traditional rulers and local institutions to implement their policies and maintain control. This system allowed the British to govern the colonies with minimal direct intervention, while still maintaining control and preserving traditional structures of authority. The British believed that indirect rule was cheaper and more efficient than direct rule, and also helped to maintain social stability.