President Bola Tinubu has likened the hardship Nigerians are grappling with under his economic reforms to the “pain of a painful surgery,” assuring that the nation’s economy has begun to recover and that prosperity lies ahead.
The President, who spoke on Friday as the special guest of honour at the historic coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, thanked Nigerians for their perseverance through the challenges triggered by his policies.
He said, “To many of you here present, today I’m honoured and I’m very proud to give you the cheering news that economy has turned the corner, there’s a bright light at the end of the tunnel.
“Your suffering is a pain, a pain of a painful surgery but it is now returned to the moment of growth and prosperity that’s awaiting us ahead. Thank you for your perseverance. Thank you for your endurance and thank you for your understanding.”
The President, who arrived at the Mapo Hall venue at about 2:28pm in company of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, was flanked by other dignitaries including the Governors of Ondo, Osun and Ekiti States, alongside some members of the Federal Executive Council.
Although the President arrived after the official crowning of the new monarch, the ceremony maintained its grandeur as Ibadan’s ancient traditions were on full display.
Oba Ladoja had earlier been adorned with a symbolic white crown at the Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area after first receiving the traditional Akoko leaf at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, Ibadan.
The 78-year-old Ladoja thus ascended the revered Olubadan throne, succeeding the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who passed on July 7, 2025, after reigning for just a year.
The coronation was witnessed by a large crowd that included political leaders, traditional rulers, and eminent Nigerians from different walks of life.
Among the important personalities were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, Elewu Etu I; Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Adeoye, Orumogege III; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale; and Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan.
Also in attendance were Senators, members of the House of Representatives, state lawmakers and former governors, underscoring the significance of the Ibadan throne in Yoruba history and Nigerian traditional institution.
