Monarch Predicts Nigerians May Push for Constitutional Amendment for Tinubu Third Term
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has made a striking prediction that Nigerians could potentially demand a constitutional amendment to allow President Bola Tinubu to serve beyond the current two-term limit. Speaking on Sunday, March 29, 2026, during a message commemorating President Tinubu's 74th birthday, the traditional ruler praised the President's leadership and comprehensive reforms that have reshaped Nigeria's economic landscape.
Economic Achievements Under Tinubu's Leadership
Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi highlighted several significant economic gains achieved during President Tinubu's administration, emphasizing that these accomplishments might motivate citizens to seek extended leadership. The monarch specifically pointed to:
- Substantial growth in Nigeria's foreign reserves, which reportedly increased from approximately $1 billion to between $49.5 billion and $50.45 billion as of late February and March 2026.
- Strengthening of the national currency alongside improved economic indicators across multiple sectors.
- Implementation of structural reforms including exchange rate unification, increased domestic oil production, and enhanced foreign investment inflows.
The traditional leader also commended President Tinubu for granting local government autonomy, boosting state allocations, expanding road infrastructure networks, and improving grassroots palliative distribution systems.
Leadership Style and Constitutional Considerations
According to the Oluwo of Iwo, President Tinubu has demonstrated "uncommon leadership" by implementing reforms that previous administrations attempted but ultimately abandoned due to public pressure. The monarch asserted that only a truly capable leader could make difficult decisions and maintain steadfast commitment to repositioning the national economy.
"You are not yet a capable leader until you take decisions and stand by them," Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi stated. "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 1999 Constitution, as amended, explicitly restricts presidents to two four-year terms. Any potential move to extend presidential tenure beyond this constitutional limit would require formal approval from both the National Assembly and state legislatures through a comprehensive amendment process.
Birthday Celebration and Broader Context
President Tinubu marked his 74th birthday with a quiet, low-key celebration that aligned with the prevailing national mood and ongoing economic challenges. Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, his administration has introduced major policy reforms including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification, initiatives designed to stabilize the economy and attract both domestic and international investment.
The Oluwo's remarks reflect growing recognition of President Tinubu's economic reforms and distinctive leadership approach. While constitutional limitations remain clearly defined, the monarch's prediction underscores the potential for future national debates regarding presidential tenure extensions in Nigeria, particularly if economic progress continues under the current administration.
This development occurs alongside other significant diplomatic achievements, including Nigeria's recent migration agreement with the United Kingdom finalized during President Tinubu's state visit, which covers repatriation procedures for failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers, and convicted offenders.
