Ways in which colonial rule contribute to the decline of the powers of the traditional rulers in West Africa:
(i) There was a breakdown of the existing links between them and their people when the former became appendages of an alien government.
(ii) The introduction of wage earning gave their subjects economic independence.
(iii) The impact of Western education led to the breakdown of traditional norms and values of the society.
(iv) The influence of foreign religion scaled down the power of the traditional rulers as the spiritual authority of their people.
(v) Establishment of Law Courts by the colonialists eroded their judicial powers.
(vii) Establishment of Legislative Councils reduced their law making powers.
(vii) Establishment of Police Force by the colonialists.
(viii) The establishment of the Public Treasury removed taxation powers from the traditional rulers.
(ix) Forced labour and conscription by the colonialists reduced the man power available to the traditional rulers.
(x) Stoppage of inter-tribal wars deprived traditional rulers of their wealth.
(xi) Emergence of political parties after World War II led to the decline of powers of the traditional rulers.
(xii) Appointment and deposition of traditional rulers by colonial authorities led to decline in their prestige.