Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has advocated a constitutional amendment to introduce a single term of five or six years for elected political officeholders at all levels in Nigeria, as against the current two-term limit of four years each.
The governor made this call on Friday at his Ikolaba residence in Ibadan, when he received a delegation of Muslim faithful, clerics, traditional rulers, and political officeholders who visited him shortly after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers held at the Eid Ground, Agodi.
The delegation, led by Deputy Governor Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, included the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja; former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Deputy Governors Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi and Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; member representing Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, Hon. Abass Adigun (Agboworin); and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta States, Alhaji Dawodu Makanjuola.
In his address, Governor Makinde congratulated Muslims on the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir and expressed appreciation for their continued prayers and support over the past six years of his administration. He urged them to remain steadfast in praying for the success of his government.
Reflecting on his time in office, Makinde noted that the COVID-19 pandemic and election-related activities had significantly reduced the time available for effective governance, adding that a single term would eliminate such distractions.
“I have spent six years in office, but we lost almost one year to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. We also spent a substantial amount of time campaigning for the second term. Now, new distractions have emerged about what I intend to do next,” he said.
“That is why I believe a single tenure of five or six years would be sufficient for any administration to focus, deliver, and make meaningful impact. This is not about me. It’s about governance. We need to start thinking seriously about this model.”
Makinde emphasized the need for data-driven discussions and said he hoped the National Assembly would give due consideration to the proposal.
Delivering the message of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Otun Olubadan, Oba Ladoja, urged citizens to continue supporting the Makinde-led administration, while praying for greater achievements.
Speaking to journalists after the Eid prayer, Deputy Governor Lawal encouraged Muslims to uphold the values of obedience, trust, and sacrifice as taught in the Holy Qur’an.
He commended the governor’s commitment to prompt salary payments and urged residents to support the administration in delivering more democratic dividends.
Professor Kamil Oloso, who offered special prayers for the governor, expressed the Muslim community’s appreciation for Governor Makinde’s continued support and goodwill.
Other dignitaries in the delegation included the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi, PDP State Secretary, Wasiu Adeleke, Oloye Nureni Akanbi, commissioners, local government chairpersons, and other top government officials.
