The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has suggested that many Nigerians could push for a constitutional amendment to allow President Bola Tinubu to remain in office beyond the two-term limit.
In a statement issued on Sunday to mark Tinubu’s 74th birthday, the monarch described the President as a decisive leader who has laid a renewed foundation for national progress. According to him, Tinubu’s leadership style and policy direction may inspire calls for an extension of his tenure. “Many Nigerians may call for a constitutional review to enable Tinubu to serve more than two terms in office. He is a leader who understands the demands of governance,” the monarch stated.
The Oluwo credited the President with confronting long-standing economic challenges, particularly through reforms aimed at eliminating systemic inefficiencies. He highlighted improvements in key economic indicators, including the strengthening of the naira and a significant rise in foreign reserves, which he said had grown to between $49.5 billion and $50.45 billion as of early 2026.
He attributed these developments to structural measures such as exchange rate unification, increased oil production, and improved foreign investment inflows. The monarch also pointed to other initiatives, including the push for local government autonomy, increased allocations to states, ongoing road infrastructure projects, and expanded distribution of palliatives at the grassroots level.
According to him, previous administrations attempted similar reforms but were unable to sustain them due to public resistance and political pressure. He argued that decisive leadership is required to implement difficult but necessary policies that can reposition the economy for long-term growth.
While noting that the effects of the reforms are beginning to reflect on citizens’ living standards, he expressed optimism that the next phase would bring greater stability.
Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution currently limits presidents to two four-year terms. Any attempt to extend this provision would require a constitutional amendment approved by the National Assembly and ratified by state legislatures.
Tinubu marked his 74th birthday with a low-key celebration, reflecting the country’s current economic realities and national mood.
