Olanipekun Supports Six-Year Single-Term Proposal For Nigerian Presidents
Former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, has expressed support for the proposed constitutional amendment advocating a six-year single term for Nigerian presidents. The proposal, sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere and 33 other lawmakers, was recently rejected by the House of Representatives but has been promised for reintroduction after further consultations.
Olanipekun, who first championed the proposal during his tenure as NBA President in 2002, emphasized that the initiative aimed to stabilize the country’s political system and address growing tensions among Nigeria’s geopolitical zones over the presidential office. He lamented its rejection by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who did not accept the proposal at the time.
Speaking at the 28th Scholarship Award and 5th Empowerment Programme of the Wole Olanipekun Scholarship Scheme (WOSS) in Ikere-Ekiti, Olanipekun explained that the proposal suggested a single term of five or six years for presidents, with a structured system of six Vice Presidents, one from each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. These Vice Presidents would be assigned specific ministries to prevent overlap in governance and ensure stability should a president from a particular zone be impeached or pass away in office.
Olanipekun reiterated his belief that Nigeria’s current constitution, which he described as inadequate, does not reflect the country’s federal structure. He argued that the country needs a constitution that is “homegrown,” capable of addressing Nigeria’s unique context.
He also highlighted the success of his scholarship and empowerment initiatives, which have benefitted 4,219 Nigerians since their inception in 1996. Olanipekun’s continued support for education and empowerment in Ekiti State was praised by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who encouraged others to follow Olanipekun’s example of selfless service.
Senator Musa Sani and the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu, also lauded Olanipekun’s philanthropic efforts, stressing the importance of private-sector involvement in the development of communities.
