Makinde Recommends Single-Term to Strengthen Governance

Ibadan, Oyo State — Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has proposed a sweeping constitutional amendment that would introduce a single-term limit of five or six years for all elected public officials across Nigeria’s three tiers of government.

Makinde made the proposal on Friday during a courtesy visit at his Ikolaba residence in Ibadan, shortly after observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Agodi Eid Ground. He received a delegation made up of Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, political leaders, and community figures.

According to the governor, the current two-term arrangement of four years each often distracts elected leaders from effective governance due to prolonged politicking, re-election pressures, and succession battles.

“If the distractions are eliminated, a single term of five or six years is sufficient to deliver results that typically take eight years,” Makinde asserted.

Drawing from his own tenure, he explained how unforeseen challenges — particularly the global pandemic in 2020 — significantly disrupted governance. He further observed that the demands of political campaigning for a second term consumed a considerable portion of his administration’s focus.

“In truth, we had about five solid years of governance out of the statutory eight,” he reflected.

Makinde clarified that the idea was not motivated by self-interest, but rather by empirical lessons and real-time governance constraints. He called on the National Assembly to reconsider and pursue tenure reform as a step toward deepening Nigeria’s democratic efficiency.

Leading the visiting delegation was Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, accompanied by distinguished figures such as the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja; former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy National Chairman, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta States, Alhaji Dawodu Makanjuola.

Delivering a goodwill message from the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Oba Ladoja expressed his support for Makinde’s administration and prayed for its continued success.

Speaking with the press, Deputy Governor Lawal urged the Muslim community to embody the values of sacrifice, humility, and trust in divine will — principles central to the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

He also praised Governor Makinde’s steadfast record on workers’ welfare and prompt salary disbursement, appealing to citizens to collaborate with the government in achieving enduring democratic progress.

By Taiwo Olatinwo | June 6, 2025