By Obinna Uballa
A remark by the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, suggesting that Nigerians may one day demand a constitutional amendment to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain in office beyond two terms has triggered widespread reactions, particularly on social media.
The traditional ruler made the comment in a congratulatory message issued through his spokesperson, Ibrahim Alli, to mark Tinubu’s 74th birthday on Sunday.
In the message, the monarch praised the President’s leadership and reforms, stating that many Nigerians might in the future seek a constitutional review to permit Tinubu to serve more than the constitutionally allowed two terms.
“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,” the Oluwo said.
However, the suggestion quickly generated mixed reactions online, with several Nigerians questioning the idea and speculating about its political implications.
On X, formerly Twitter, a user identified as @kusssman described the statement as an attempt to gauge public reaction.
“Testing the waters to see our reaction,” the user wrote.
Another user, @Gboye3000, criticised the comment, expressing concern about traditional rulers making such political statements and questioning the reasoning behind the suggestion.
Similarly, @maxvayshia interpreted the remark as an indication that political actors were already looking beyond the next election cycle.
“They are indirectly telling us that 2027 is rigged already. It is third term they are looking at. Second term is secure already,” the user wrote.
Another user, @Morris_Monye, also reacted, saying, “They’ve not won a second term and they are already discussing a third term.”
In his birthday message, the Oluwo of Iwo commended Tinubu’s economic policies, describing the President as a decisive leader whose reforms are laying a new foundation for national growth.
He pointed to improvements in economic indicators, including the strengthening of the naira and an increase in Nigeria’s foreign reserves, which he said had grown from about $1bn to between $49.5bn and $50.45bn as of late February and March 2026.
The monarch attributed the gains to structural reforms such as the unification of the foreign exchange system, increased oil production, and rising foreign investment inflows.
He also praised the administration for granting local government autonomy, increasing allocations to states, expanding road infrastructure, and improving the distribution of palliatives at the grassroots.
According to him, previous administrations had attempted similar reforms but were forced to retreat due to public and political pressure.
“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,” the monarch said.
Tinubu marked his 74th birthday on Sunday with a low-key celebration in view of the country’s economic challenges.
Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) limits presidents to two four-year terms, meaning any attempt to extend the tenure would require a constitutional amendment approved by the National Assembly and ratified by state legislatures.
