President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the hardships endured from economic reforms over the past twenty-eight months are paving the way for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
The President gave the assurance on Friday in Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State, while witnessing the final installation ceremony of His Imperial Majesty, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
While appreciating Nigerians for their perseverance and endurance in the last few months, President Tinubu emphasised that the sacrifices made by all citizens during the reform process are beginning to yield tangible progress and promise more economic stability, indicating a better future for Nigeria.
“Thank you, to many of you here present again, today I am honoured and I am 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.
“Your suffering is a pain of a painful surgery but is now returning to the moment of growth and prosperity awaiting us ahead.
“Thank you for your perseverance, thank you for your endurance, thank you for your understanding,” he said.
Congratulating the newly installed monarch, Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, a former Senator and Former Governor of Oyo State, President Tinubu recalled the political journey of the duo and lauded Ladoja’s perseverance.
“It’s a big present, a great honour for me to be here as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to witness your coronation, to witness history, all the things that you’ve started, the deliberations, the expectations, and history that we share.
”Together, for this country, it is a great honour, a moment of history, that you have said the tone of your forebearers,” the President said.
The Nigerian leader lauded the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, for his unparalleled resilience, unwavering determination, and steadfast reliability, describing the sterling qualities as truly impeccable.
The President said, “If I start to recall the moment in the Senate and the struggle that we had together as a Governor, the history of the impeachment, your conquered story, your perseverance, your resilience, your determination, your reliability is impeccable.
President Tinubu prayed for the newly installed king to be granted long life and prosperity, wishing him joyous years on the throne marked by memorable and impactful achievements.
“It’s my prayer that you will live long and be celebrated. It’s one of the rare gems of history to ascend the throne of your forebearers,” he said.
The President expressed deep appreciation to the people of Ibadan for their unwavering support during his 2023 presidential campaign.
President Tinubu acknowledged members of the class of 1999, Governors present at the installation ceremony, mentioning Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau.
He also appreciated the presence of the Former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Former Governor Ibukunle Amosun among many others.
President Tinubu’s presence at Mapo Hall and other dignitaries underscored the national importance of the ascension occasion, as Ibadan celebrates the continuity of its revered monarchical institution.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde presented the staff and certificate of office to former governor of the state, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Makinde while presenting the staff of office to the monarch said, “This is a momentous occasion in the presence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the presence of people and in the presence of God.
“In exercise of the power conferred on me as the Governor, I hereby present the staff of office to Oba, His Imperial Majesty, Senator, Governor, Engineer, my Baba, His Imperial Majesty, Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1st,” Governor Makinde said.
Oba Ladoja, a former Oyo state governor and senator, was selected as the 44th Olubadan, following the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7.
The eighty-one-year-old monarch, Oba Ladoja is a respected businessman and a prominent political figure who rose through the traditional Olubadan chieftaincy ranks to become Olubadan.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland is the paramount traditional ruler of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, and one of the largest cities in West Africa.
The Olubadan throne holds important cultural, historical, and political significance among the Yoruba people.