President Bola Tinubu on Friday used the occasion of the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, to send an optimistic message to Nigerians, stating that the nation’s economy has “turned the corner for good.”
The President assured citizens that the economic hardship resulting from his administration’s reforms is nearing its end.
“Today, I am honoured to bring the cheering news that our economy has turned around and there is now light at the end of the tunnel,” Tinubu declared.
He attributed the success of the two-year-old economic reforms to the “support, endurance, and sacrifices of Nigerians,” and assured them they would soon reap the benefits.
The President, who attended the coronation of his long-time ally and friend, Oba Ladoja, praised the new monarch’s contributions to democracy and his perseverance, particularly his victory over an illegal impeachment during his tenure as governor.
“I pray that you will live long and be celebrated as one of the rare leaders in history to ascend the throne of your forefathers,” Tinubu said to Olubadan.
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Earlier, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde presented the staff of office and certificate to Oba Ladoja, a former governor and senator, formally crowning him as the 44th Olubadan.
Makinde stated that the coronation marks the end of all disputes surrounding the traditional institution of Ibadan.
“All challenges associated with the Ibadan traditional institution are now over, and put behind us. This means that the process is now sacrosanct,” the governor affirmed.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Ladoja described his ascent to the throne as a reflection of destiny, noting that he accepts both the “paraphernalia of office but also the responsibilities attached to it.”
He thanked Tinubu for honoring him and the people of Ibadan with his presence.
The historic event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Muhammad Abubakar III, governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Ademola Adeleke (Osun), as well as several former state governors and government officials.
