How the Legislative Council was controlled in British West Africa before the Second World War include:
(i) Veto power: The Governor had the power to veto laws passed by the legislative council.
(ii) Money bills: exclusive rights Governors had to introduce money bills.
(iii) Official Control: The legislative council was mainly controlled by the official majority. The un-official members were always in minority and had no power of control or a say in the council.
(iv) Drafting of bills. The Secretary of State for colonies had the power to approve the drafting of important bills.
(v) Revision of Laws: Almost in the same vein, revision of laws passed by the council was the sole responsibility of the Secretary of State for the colonies.
(vi) The colonial law validity Act of 1865: It was mandatory for the colonial territories to pass laws that were in line with the stipulated Act of 1865.
(vii) Reserved powers: Almost all the Governors possessed reserved powers in their administration.