Answer:
There are whole lots of differences between the two political systems at that time. And this is largely because Igbo communities were too fragmented and each of the community was autonomous with its unique political system.
Looking at it closely, Igbo political system was acephalous. There was no specific head in most of the Igbo communities. Whereas, Yoruba political system was monocephalous. Each Yoruba community had a head — An Oba or a Baale.
Igbo people adopted gerontocracy as the Council of Elders effectively took up the functions of managing the affairs of the state. But, monarchy was in place among Yoruba people.
Unlike in Yoruba kingdoms, Igbo communities rarely had standing armies. Such arangement was usually made when there a war against an enemy.
Being a monarchy, the leadership transition was through heredity. Most times, a child of the deposed, abdicated or dead Oba succeeded him. Whereas, Igbo system was typically Republican. Neither Ofo nor Ozo title was attained through heredity, but through age and wealth.
Igbo people neither had taxation nor tribute system, but Yoruba people had a tribute system.
Unlike among the Igbo communities where each community was totally autonomous, many Yoruba kingdoms regarded Oyo as their political headquarters.
Igbo political system emphasized egalitarianism, age and persuasions; Yoruba political system was characterized by political power, legitimacy and check and balances.
