The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has suggested that some Nigerians could push for changes to the constitution to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain in office beyond the current two-term limit.
In a statement released through his spokesperson, Ibrahim Alli, to celebrate Tinubu’s 74th birthday, the monarch described the President as a bold and purposeful leader who has introduced policies aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s economy.
He noted that, given Tinubu’s leadership style, there is a possibility that citizens might advocate for a constitutional amendment to extend his tenure. According to him, the President has demonstrated a willingness to take tough decisions that previous administrations avoided.
The traditional ruler highlighted what he described as economic progress under Tinubu, pointing to improvements in foreign reserves, which he said had grown significantly, alongside gains in key economic indicators. He attributed these developments to reforms such as exchange rate unification, increased oil production, and rising foreign investment.
He also commended the administration for steps taken to strengthen governance at the grassroots level, including granting more autonomy to local governments, increasing allocations to states, and investing in major infrastructure projects across the country.
The Oluwo argued that while past leaders attempted similar reforms, they often backed down due to public pressure. In his view, Tinubu has shown resilience by pursuing policies he believes are necessary for long-term stability.
He added that although the reforms may have initially posed challenges, they are beginning to yield results, with expectations of greater economic stability in the future.
President Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, recently marked his 74th birthday with a low-profile celebration, reflecting the country’s current economic realities.
Nigeria’s constitution currently limits presidents to two four-year terms, meaning any extension would require a formal amendment approved by both the National Assembly and state legislatures.
