President Bola Tinubu on Friday compared the hardship facing Nigerians to the pain of an economic surgery, assuring citizens that the worst is over and prosperity lies ahead.

Naijaonpoint reports that Tinubu gave the assurance at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, during the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Addressing dignitaries and residents, the President said the nation’s economy, though still fragile, is recovering from crisis.

“To many of you here present, today I’m honoured and I’m 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,” Tinubu said.

He described the suffering of Nigerians as a necessary sacrifice.

“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. Thank you for your endurance and thank you for your understanding,” he added.

The President arrived at the venue at 2:28 pm in the company of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

Other governors in his entourage included those of Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti states, alongside several members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Earlier, Tinubu received the traditional Akoko leaf at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, Ibadan, as part of the coronation rites.

Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, succeeded the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who passed away on July 7, 2025, after reigning for only one year.

Friday’s ceremony, held nearly three months after Olakulehin’s demise, drew an array 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.