‘Testing the Waters:’ Reactions trail Oluwo’s suggestion on possible third term for Tinubu

Reactions have continued to trail remarks by the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, suggesting that some Nigerians may eventually demand a constitutional amendment to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain in office beyond the two-term limit.

The monarch made the remark in a congratulatory message issued through his spokesperson, Ibrahim Alli, to mark the President’s 74th birthday on Sunday.

In the statement, the traditional ruler described Tinubu as a decisive leader who has laid a renewed foundation of hope for the country, adding that many Nigerians might in future call for a constitutional review to enable him to serve more than 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 monarch said.

However, the suggestion quickly sparked reactions on social media, with several Nigerians expressing skepticism and criticism over the idea.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, a user identified as @kusssman described the comment as a possible attempt to gauge public reaction.

“Testing the waters to see our reaction. Okkkkkk now,” the user wrote.

Another user, @Gboye3000, criticised the monarch’s statement, questioning the rationale behind the suggestion and expressing concern over the role of traditional leaders in political debates.

Similarly, another commenter, @maxvayshia, argued that the remark appeared to suggest confidence within the administration about the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.

“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 posted.

Another user, @Morris_Monye, also reacted, saying, “They’ve not won a second term and they are already discussing a third term.”

In his message, the Oluwo of Iwo praised Tinubu’s leadership, saying the President had distinguished himself through what he described as a firm campaign against practices that had previously hindered Nigeria’s economic growth.

The monarch cited improvements in economic indicators, including the strengthening of the naira and an increase in Nigeria’s foreign reserves, which he said had risen from about $1bn to between $49.5bn and $50.45bn as of late February and March 2026.

He attributed the development to structural reforms introduced by the administration, including the unification of the foreign exchange market, increased oil production, and growing foreign investment inflows.

Oba Akanbi also commended the President for policies such as granting local government autonomy, increasing allocations to states, expanding road infrastructure, and improving the distribution of palliatives to citizens.

Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi,

According to him, previous administrations had attempted similar economic reforms but were forced to abandon them 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,” he said.

Tinubu marked his 74th birthday on Sunday with a low-key celebration, citing the prevailing national mood and economic challenges facing the country.

Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) limits the President to two terms of four years each, meaning any extension of tenure beyond that provision would require a constitutional amendment approved by the National Assembly and state legislatures.