AfriPulse
President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, assured Nigerians that the nation’s economy is on the path of recovery, noting that the sacrifices and resilience of the people are beginning to yield progress and growth.
Tinubu stated this during the coronation and presentation of Staff and Instruments of Office to the new Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, held at the ancient Mapo Hall, Oja’ba, Ibadan.
“Your suffering and perseverance have yielded growth and prosperity. The economy has turned the corner. It is a painful surgery. The moment of prosperity and growth awaits us,” Tinubu said.
Oba Ladoja, a former senator and former Governor of Oyo State, was installed by Governor Seyi Makinde of the state in line with the extant laws.
The event was witnessed by Governors Ademola Adeleke, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Abiodun Oyebanji of Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States, respectively; Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Chief Niyi Akintola, Prof. Soji Adejumo, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, a former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs.) Mutia Olayinka Ladoja; Senator Sarafadeen Alli, Dr. (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande, Deputy Speaker, Mohammed Abiodun Fadeyi, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, Sambo Dasuki, and members of the Oyo State Executive Council.
Traditional leaders were also present, including the Owa Obokun of Ijesa land, Oba Clement Adesuyi Hastrup; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; and a host of others.
From the religious world were Primate Sunday Ola Makinde and Muslim leaders in the country.
The president described Ladoja as a renowned businessman and patriot, who is reliable and resilient, and with whom he had been in the trenches in the past, passing through travails in his political life. He lauded former Governors Donald Duke, Ibikunle Amosun, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and the monarchs present.
Presenting the Staff of Office and Instrument of Office to Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa 1, Governor Makinde said the presentation was in exercise of his power as enshrined in the extant laws.
In his acceptance speech after receiving the Staff of Office, Oba Ladoja expressed gratitude to Tinubu, Makinde, his former colleagues in the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, and others for honouring him.
The royal father pledged to be king for all and work for the service of his people.
“I am not surprised that the president is here. This is where you got your wife. Ibadan is the home for all the Yoruba. I am not a king for Ibadan alone but for all who reside in the city or have passed through it,” Oba Ladoja said.
He reiterated his readiness to rededicate the rest of his life to the service of his people, Oyo State, Nigeria, and Africa, adding that all sons and daughters of Ibadan must have jobs.
The new king also requested from the president the creation of Ibadan State out of the current Oyo State.
In his remarks, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal said it was a homecoming for the president. He congratulated Oba Ladoja on the prestige of witnessing the auspicious occasion.
Earlier, in their goodwill messages, the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Sulaiman Ajewole; the Chairman of the Coronation Committee, Chief Bayo Oyero; and the Agbaoye of Ibadan, Chief Bola Kareem, prayed for a peaceful reign for Oba Ladoja.
They described his ascension to the throne as unique, exceptional, and historic, noting that he had previously served as both a Senator and Governor of the state.
Source: Guardian Nigeria | Read the Full Story…
