Oluwo Tinubu tenure extension comment sparks debate as monarch says Nigerians may push for constitutional amendment

The Oluwo of Iwo, Abdulrosheed Akanbi, in Iwo, Osun State, on Sunday said Nigerians may consider a constitutional amendment to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain in office beyond the two-term limit, a remark that has intensified discussion around the Oluwo Tinubu tenure extension debate.

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In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Alli, to mark Tinubu’s 74th birthday, the monarch described the President as a decisive leader whose policies are laying a renewed foundation for national progress.

“Many Nigerians may call for a constitutional review to enable Tinubu to serve more than two terms in office. He is a leader who knows what he is doing,” the monarch said.

Akanbi attributed recent economic improvements to the administration’s structural reforms, including exchange rate unification, increased oil production and growing foreign investment inflows.

He cited gains such as a rise in foreign reserves to between $49.5bn and $50.45bn, improved fiscal allocations to states and the implementation of local government autonomy.

The monarch also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including major highway developments, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to long-term growth.

According to him, Tinubu’s willingness to take difficult decisions distinguishes him from past leaders who, he said, struggled to implement similar reforms due to public pressure.

“You are not yet a capable leader until you take decisions and stand by them,” Akanbi said, praising what he described as the President’s uncommon courage.

The Oluwo Tinubu tenure extension suggestion comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s constitutional framework, which limits presidents to two four-year terms under the 1999 Constitution.

Any move to extend tenure would require a constitutional amendment approved by the National Assembly and ratified by state legislatures.

Tinubu, who marked his 74th birthday with a low-key observance amid prevailing economic challenges, has pursued sweeping reforms since assuming office in May 2023, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification.

While the monarch’s remarks add a provocative dimension to ongoing political discourse, analysts note that any constitutional change would require broad national consensus and legislative backing.

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The comments also reflect continued support from influential traditional leaders, even as debates over governance, reforms and democratic limits remain active across the country.