FIC Report (Oyo State) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declared today that the pain of his economic reforms “is now leading to gains” for the Nigerian people.
The president announced this in Ibadan during his speech at the coronation of Oba Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Oyo State capital.
Speaking to the crowds of well wishes and very important dignitaries, who were at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the venue of the coronation, the President said that the nation’s economy has turned the corner, assuring Nigerians that their sufferings were over.
The new Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Senator Rasidi Ladoja, Arusa I, was a former governor of the state.
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, declaring that “The pain is leading to gains.”
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.”
Among the dignitaries who listened to President Tinubu were traditional rulers, who included Oba Ghandi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Alaafin of Oyoland, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the representatives of Ooni of Ife, Ooni Enitan Ogunwusi, Okere of Saki, and many more.
Other dignitaries were former Governors, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; Senator Dr. Musa Rabiu Kwakwanso Malam Shekarau, both of Kano , Donald Duke of Cross Rivers State, as well as 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.
Earlier before the president’s made his this declaration, the host of the event, Governor of Oyo State, Engr Oluseyi Makinde, who had arrived the venue with the president at a few minutes after 3:00 p.m., had presented the instruments of office to the new Olubadan, His Majesty, Oba Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
While making his speech at the ceremony, Governor Makinde thanked the President and former and current governors for identifying with the coronation.
Speaking, Engr. Makinde disclosed that all challenges, which had previously been associated with Ibadan traditional institution had now become a thing of the past.
Making his first royal speech, the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Adewolu Ladoja, thanked the President, whom he described as his “friend and brother”. The new Olubadan 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, saying “We want the new state before 2027.
Oba Ladoja then pledged his service and total commitment to the people of Ibadanland, Oyo State, Southwest and Nigeria as a whole: “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,” the new monarch said.
Signed
Moses Oyelade,
AD(I&PR), FIC, Ibadan.
