 During the German East African rule, the Germans adopted the title from pre-colonial Zanzibar-based administration, investing it with greater power.Under German rule, akidas ruled over so-called "Akidate", an intermediate level of government between regional governors and minor countryside chiefs (called "jumbe") and functioned as tax collectors, policemen, and lower judges.Their judicial role was recognized under the British colonial administration which took over from Germany following World War I.