Reasons why the Pre-colonial Government in Yoruba land can be described as Democratic are:
(i) Administration or powers of governance was not an exclusive preserve of the Oba . He shared these powers with some of the senior Chiefs.
(ii) Decisions were not also taken only by the Oba. He consults with the Chiefs for approval.
(iii) If a reigning Oba dies, the king-makers had the power to select and enthrone a new one and, of course, different interests would be represented before selections were made.
(iv) Laws made for the people could only be enforced if it had the approval or support of the Oba and the Chiefs.
(v) There was separation of powers. Executive powers belonged to the Oba while the Chiefs exercised legislative powers.
(vi) The issue of checks and balances played a major role in enforcing order in the performance of the separated functions, e.g the Ogboni society was a check on the powers of the oba.
(vii) The Kingmakers, acting on the will of the people, could remove any erring Oba.