First published in 1984. This work is an attempt to look into the structure of local government and the working of local administration in Nigeria in four broad eras. The periods considered are the pre-colonial, the colonial, the self- governing and the military era.

Selection of interviews given by the author during his tenure as Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area Council between 2003 and 2006.

An exploration of why some decentralization reforms have led to viable systems of local governance in Africa, while others have failed. It outlines the key issues involved, provides historical context, and identifies the factors that have encouraged or discouraged success.