President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed gratitude to Nigerians for enduring the economic hardship brought on by his administration’s reform policies, describing the current challenges as “the pain of a painful surgery” aimed at achieving long-term national prosperity.

 

Speaking during the coronation ceremony of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, at the historic Mapo Hall, the President assured Nigerians that the economy is now on the path to recovery.

 

“Your suffering is a pain — a pain of a painful surgery — but it is now returned to the moment of growth and prosperity that awaits us ahead,” Tinubu said.

 

“I’m very proud to give you the cheering news that the economy has turned the corner. There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel.”

 

Tinubu also reflected on his previous political campaign in Ibadan, reminding the crowd of his now-famous “Emi Lokan” declaration, which he credited with propelling him to the presidency.

 

“I once came to Mapo Hall to solicit your votes because of ‘Emi Lokan,’ and we are there now — thanks,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.

 

The president reiterated that the ongoing economic reforms — including the removal of fuel subsidies, the unification of the exchange rate, and efforts to revamp public revenue systems — were necessary to stabilize Nigeria’s struggling economy.

 

“Thank you for your perseverance. Thank you for your endurance and thank you for your understanding,” he said, acknowledging the sacrifices many citizens have made.

The President made his remarks during a historic and culturally significant event — the formal presentation of the Staff of Office to Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, succeeding the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died in July 2025.

 

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, officiated the coronation, describing it as a moment of pride for Ibadan and a symbol of continuity in Yoruba traditional leadership.

 

Prior to the ceremony at Mapo Hall, Oba Ladoja had received key traditional rites, including the white crown at the Ose Meji Temple and the symbolic Akoko leaf at the Labosinde Compound, signifying his legitimate ascension to the throne.

The event attracted a wide array of dignitaries from across Nigeria’s political and traditional leadership spectrum, including:

• The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III

• The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade

• The Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan

• Former governors, members of the Federal Executive Council, Senators, and House of Representatives members

• Governors from Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti states

 

The coronation further cemented Ibadan’s status as a major hub of Yoruba culture and tradition, even as it provided a national platform for the President to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to economic reform and national renewal.