Ibadan, Oyo State – Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has proposed a constitutional amendment to establish a single five- or six-year term for elected officials across all levels of government in Nigeria, citing the need for more focused and effective governance. The governor made the call while addressing a delegation of Muslim leaders and political figures who visited his Ikolaba residence in Ibadan after the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir prayers at Agodi Eid Ground. The delegation was led by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal and included former Governor Senator Rashidi Ladoja, former Deputy Governor Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawodu Makanjuola, among others.
Justification: Distractions Undermine Governance
Makinde, who is in his second term, said that reelection campaigns and other political distractions often reduce the time elected officials spend on actual governance. “Effectively, the time we can say we are very serious with governance is just about five out of the eight years,” Makinde noted. “That is why I feel if you remove all these distractions, a single tenure of five or six years is enough.” He added that one year was lost to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and another year is often spent on campaign activities, leaving limited time for meaningful impact.
Call for Constitutional Review
Makinde urged Nigerians and the National Assembly to give serious consideration to the idea, describing it as a viable model for the country’s democratic evolution. “We shouldn’t be afraid to say the fact based on the data available to us. It has nothing to do with me. If they say I should end it, so be it,” he said, emphasizing that the issue should go beyond personal interest and be approached with national progress in mind.
Support and Religious Reflections
In a message delivered on behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Oba Ladoja called for increased public support for the government and offered prayers for its continued success. Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal also praised Governor Makinde for his unwavering dedication to citizens’ welfare, particularly in the area of prompt salary payments. He urged Muslims to reflect on the values of obedience, sacrifice, and trust during the Eid celebrations.
Professor Kamil Oloso, speaking on behalf of the Muslim community, offered prayers for the Governor’s continued success and thanked him for his consistent support.
