President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the current economic hardship will soon give way to growth and prosperity, describing the challenges as the “pain of a painful surgery” necessary for national recovery.
Tinubu gave the assurance on Friday at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, during the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“To many of you here present, today I’m honoured and very proud to give you the cheering news that the economy has turned the corner. There’s a bright light at the end of the tunnel,” the President said.
Acknowledging the toll of his administration’s reforms, Tinubu added: “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, your endurance, and your understanding.”
The President arrived at the venue at 2:28 p.m. in the company of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, alongside the governors of Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti States, and several members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Earlier, Tinubu had participated in the coronation rites, receiving the traditional Akoko leaf at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, Ibadan.
Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, succeeded the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who died on July 7, 2025, after just one year on the throne. Friday’s ceremony, held nearly three months after Olakulehin’s passing, drew a distinguished audience of political leaders, royal fathers, and dignitaries from across the country.
Traditional rulers in attendance included the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Adeoye; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan.
Also present were former governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and state lawmakers.