Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has proposed a constitutional reform that would limit elected public officials in Nigeria to a single term of five or six years, replacing the current two-term structure of four years each.
Governor Makinde made this proposal on Friday while hosting a group of Muslim faithful, traditional rulers, and political figures at his private residence in Ikolaba, Ibadan, shortly after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers. The gathering was led by the state’s Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal.
Among the notable figures present were the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman, Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governors Hazeem Gbolarumi and Hamid Gbadamosi; Federal House of Representatives member for Ibadan North-East/South-East, Abass Adigun Agboworin; and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta States, Dawodu Makanjuola.
In his remarks, Governor Makinde explained that a single term would enable leaders to concentrate more effectively on governance without the distractions of re-election campaigns. He emphasized that his own experience in office has shown that external factors—such as the COVID-19 pandemic and electioneering—often reduce the effective time available for governance.
“I want to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters Barka Da Sallah and pray we celebrate many more by God’s grace,” he began. Reflecting on his own tenure, he said, “I’ve spent six years in office, but the disruptions caused by the pandemic and the time spent on re-election campaigns meant we lost a significant amount of time.”
Makinde argued that these disruptions mean leaders often only get about five productive years out of their eight-year tenure. “If we remove those distractions, a single term of five or six years would be sufficient for any administration to achieve its goals,” he added.
He called on Nigerians and the National Assembly to give serious thought to amending the constitution to reflect this proposal. “This isn’t about personal gain,” he stressed. “It’s about what is best for governance and development.”
Also speaking at the event, the Otun Olubadan, Oba Ladoja—representing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin—expressed support for the Makinde administration. He urged citizens to continue backing the government and commended the governor for prioritizing workers’ welfare through timely salary payments.
He concluded by calling for greater cooperation among residents to ensure the government can continue to deliver the dividends of democracy across the state.
