Political development during the terminal phase of British rule and early independence in Northern Nigeria tormented the emirate aristocracies, accustomed to half a century of cosy collaboration with the colonial administration. Their responses to this development, its impact on their authority and their survival strategies constitute the main focus of this book. However, this work, unlike many others, approaches the subject from the perspective of the emirs" perception of this development and its consequences on their authority, power and privileges. Based on hitherto inaccessible primary sources, it also discusses the evolution and demise of indirect rule, the emergence of political parties and the impact of administrative reforms on the emirs.