Children’s participation in decision making within the family context of Yoruba culture

One of the four basic provisions of the Child rights Act is the participation of children in issues that concerns them. We examines the context of children’s experiences within their families. Salient questions we answer in this article includes how children participate in decision making and their willingness to participate in the protection of their rights by reporting when they are assaulted by parents. This article is based on in-depth interviews conducted in 4 local governments within Ibadan metropolis, Oyo state with 40 children aged 5–10 years and 10 parents. Findings from the study reveals that cultural beliefs and generational relations influence how children are allowed to participate in decision making. Most of the children respondents also belief parents act in their best interest. Relevant contributions are made to understanding childhood in the global South.