By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today declared that the nation’s economy has turned the corner, assuring Nigerians that their sufferings were over.
President Tinubu spoke at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, venue of the coronation of former governor of the state, His Imperial Majesty Oba Senator Rasidi Ladoja, Arusa I, as Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Tinubu, who briefly went down memory lane about his shared moments with Oba Ladoja in politics and struggles for nationhood, thanked Nigerians for their patience with his administration.
He said: “I thank the people of Ibadan. I had come here to tell you that ‘emi lokan.’ And you supported me. I can tell you that the economy (of Nigeria) has turned the corner.
“The pain is leading to gains.”
Earlier, President Tinubu had praised Oba Ladoja for being a person of impeccable character.
He said: “It is a great honour for me to witness this coronation as president of this country. For all the history we shared together, it’s a great honour.
“You are one of the rare gems of history. I wish you many more years ahead.
“I salute all the former governors here; Donald Duke, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Ibrahim Shekarau and my good friend, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
‘’I observed that on the way here from the airport, the people are full of joy for this occasion.”
The coronation was attended by many dignitaries from across the country, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar; former Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; Senators Fatai Buhari, Teslim Folarin, Yunnus Akintunde and Sharafadeen Alli.
There were also Dr. Kazeem Adeduntan, High Chief Akinade Fijabi, Alhaja Nurat Olamummy, Taofeek Tayo Akinwale; and Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo State, his counterparts from Osun and Ekiti states, Ademola Adeleke and Abiodun Oyebanji, respectively.
Also present were members of the Olubadan-in-Council, Chief Bayo Oyero, Professor Olanike Adeyemo (Oyo SSG), State Commissioners and other government officials.
There were many traditional rulers from Yorubaland, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; representative of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Okere of Saki, and others too numerous to mention.
Governor Makinde, who arrived the venue in company with the president at a few minutes past 3:00 p.m., after presenting instruments of office to the new Olubadan, thanked the President and the former and current governors for identifying with the coronation.
He disclosed that all challenges associated with Ibadan traditional institution had become a thing of the past.
Taking the microphone, finally, the new Olubadan, Oba Ladoja, after thanking the President, told the mammoth crowd that the first assignment given to him by the people of Ibadan was to secure an ‘Ibadan State,’ challenging President Tinubu that it was a done deal.
“You met Remi (President Tinubu’s wife) here. And you said she is the pillar of your success. Maybe you would not have become President, if you didn’t pass through Ibadan. I thank God for you.
“I am also happy that all South-West governors passed through Ibadan at one time or the other.
“The staff of office presented to me today is a thing of joy for all Ibadan people. I thank the Olubadan-in-Council for unanimously endorsing me.
“All Ibadan people asked me to tell the President that they want ‘Ibadan State.’ The National Assembly has no problem with that. We want the new state before 2027.
“I assure you I am here to serve the people with all my power. There is nothing I want again. God has preserved me to serve the people of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and all over Africa as much as He empowers me,” he said.
PHOTO CAPTION: Oba Ladoja (wearing traditional veil) at the coronation today.
