Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for a constitutional amendment that would limit elected officials in Nigeria to a single term of five or six years. He argued that such a reform would reduce political distractions and allow leaders to focus on effective governance.
Makinde made the proposal while receiving a high-powered delegation of Muslim clerics, traditional rulers, and political leaders at his Ikolaba residence in Ibadan after the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir prayers held at the Agodi Eid Ground.
The delegation, led by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, included eminent personalities such as former Governor Senator Rashidi Ladoja, former Deputy Governor Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawodu Makanjuola.
Reflecting on his time in office, Governor Makinde noted that distractions from re-election campaigns and unforeseen challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic have limited the effective time available for governance.
“I have spent six years already, and due to no fault of anybody, we lost the year 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also lost almost another year campaigning for re-election. Now, we’re being distracted again with talks about what I want to do next,” Makinde said. “Effectively, we have only had about five years to truly govern. That is why I believe a single term of five or six years is enough to deliver meaningful impact.”
He clarified that the proposal was not self-serving but a patriotic call for systemic improvement.
“This has nothing to do with me personally. If they say I should end it, so be it. But we need to have this conversation as a country,” he stated, urging Nigerians and the National Assembly to seriously consider the idea.
Makinde also used the opportunity to congratulate the Muslim community on the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, expressing gratitude for their prayers and unwavering support throughout his administration.
Speaking on behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Senator Ladoja offered prayers for the government’s success and called for greater support from citizens to strengthen governance.
In his address, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal encouraged the Muslim faithful to embrace the values of sacrifice, trust, and obedience as exemplified in the teachings of the Holy Quran. He praised Governor Makinde for prioritizing workers’ welfare through prompt salary payments and urged citizens to cooperate more with the government to ensure sustained delivery of democratic dividends.
Islamic scholar Professor Kamil Oloso also offered prayers for the governor’s success and commended him for his consistent support of the Muslim community.
Governor Makinde’s proposal adds to the ongoing national debate over governance reform and term limits, with attention now turning to lawmakers and constitutional experts for further consideration.
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