Grass root development is a complex process and involves warm, gradual and considerate efforts. Community participation is a requisite to attaining this form of development. Democratic governance which could have encouraged community participation has hindered it in several measures based on how it is been practiced in Nigeria. The paper explores the perspectives of Modakeke–Ife community elites on threats to community participation in grass root governance and development. Qualitative data from 30 adult elites in the three wards of Modakeke revealed that the people of the community are sidelined in decisions affecting them. There is still suspicion of favouritsim in governments’ approach to development of the community. In conclusion, to encourage better community participation there must be more representation of the people, trust and confidence in the government.