Under colonial rule, traditional rulers were often restricted in their powers, including their ability to raise armed forces, impose taxes or install or remove chiefs. However, they generally retained their roles as spiritual leaders, which was an important aspect of their traditional authority.

Other limitations imposed on the traditional rulers by  the colonial masters include:

1. Chiefs barred from forming an army
2. No power to impose taxes
3. No power of legislation
4. Governor to sanction the enthronement of chiefs
5. Barred from Settling  inter-tribal conflicts through war