Nigerians may demand for Tinubu’s third term – Oluwo
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, on Sunday said many Nigerians might seek a constitutional amendment to allow President Bola Tinubu to remain in office beyond the constitutionally permitted two terms.
The monarch, in a congratulatory message issued by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Alli, to mark Tinubu’s 74th birthday, described the President as a decisive leader who has laid a renewed foundation of hope for the country.
“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,” he said.
The Oluwo said the President had distinguished himself through what he described as a firm campaign against illegalities that had stalled the country’s economic growth.
He added that the President’s administrative prowess had driven notable gains, citing improvements in the naira, a rise in foreign reserves from about $1bn to between $49.5bn and $50.45bn as of late February/March 2026, and strengthened economic indices.
The monarch attributed the gains to structural reforms, including exchange rate unification, increased oil output, and higher foreign investment inflows.
The Oluwo also commended Tinubu for granting local government autonomy, increasing allocations to states, expanding road infrastructure, and improving palliative distribution at the grassroots.
According to him, past leaders attempted similar economic reforms but were overwhelmed by public and political pressure.
He said only a capable leader could implement tough but necessary decisions to reposition the economy.
The Oluwo added that the President’s policies had begun to impact the standard of living, noting that the next phase would be stability.
He said, “You are not yet a capable leader until you take decisions and stand by them. Many past presidents attempted to remove obstacles to economic prosperity but were overrun by public outcries. Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon leadership through reforms.
“Nigeria’s foreign reserves have increased to over $49.5bn from about $1bn. Local government autonomy is taking effect, states earn more, and road projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto-Badagry Road, are ongoing.”
Tinubu marked his 74th birthday on Sunday, opting for a low-key celebration in view of the prevailing national mood and ongoing economic challenges facing the country.
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Tinubu’s administration has implemented major economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of the foreign exchange system, policies the government says are aimed at stabilising the economy and attracting investment.
Several political leaders and stakeholders have commended Tinubu’s leadership style and reform agenda, often describing him as a courageous and visionary leader committed to repositioning the country’s economy and governance structure.
Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) limits presidents to two terms of four years each, meaning any attempt to extend tenure beyond this provision would require a constitutional amendment approved by the National Assembly and state legislatures.
