- Absence of a centralized system of administration.
- The limited powers of the Oba.
- The British failed to recognize the strong checks and balances that existed in the Yoruba land before introducing the indirect rule system.
- The number of the Western elites was on the increase. The presence of these educated elites made it possible for the people to challenge the basis for British Colonial rule.
- The British failed to recognize the presence of the educated elites in the Yoruba land.
- The absence of a good method of taxation.