President Bola Tinubu, on Friday in Ibadan, Oyo State, said the economy of Nigeria has turned the corner for good, following the success of the economic reforms introduced by his administration over two years ago.
He assured Nigerians that they would soon begin to enjoy the fruits of the reforms and thanked them for their patience and support.
The President spoke at the coronation of his friend and political ally, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Sen) Abdul-Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
President Tinubu said the reforms have been successful because of the support, endurance and sacrifices of Nigerians.
“Today, I am honoured to bring the cheering news that our economy has turned around and there is now light at the end of the tunnel,” the President stated.
The President commended the Olubadan of Ibadan for his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and for overcoming an illegal impeachment as a governor.
Tinubu and Ladoja
“Today is an exciting day for me, Kabiyesi. Happy birthday to you. It is also a happy day for you. As President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is a great honour to witness this history unfold.
“All the things we started together with great expectations, and the history we shared are coming to pass. I pray that you will live long and be celebrated as one of the rare leaders in history to ascend the throne of your forefathers.Lagos property listings
Oba Ladoja
“I pray that God will grant you more years of joy, prosperity and relevance,” the President said.
President Tinubu said that the Olubadan of Ibadanland played a significant role in Nigeria’s political history, and had remained a pillar of hope through the experiences of impeachment, perseverance and resilience as a former governor of the state.Lagos property listings
He thanked all former and serving governors, and traditional rulers for attending the coronation.
Tinubu
“It is a joy and great excitement for us. I appreciate you all. As for me, this is homecoming,” he stated.
Governor Seyi Makinde presented the new Olubadan, a former governor of the state and a senator, with the staff of office and a certificate.
Governor Makinde said Oba Ladoja’s coronation has ended the disputes among families regarding who occupies traditional thrones.
“It is a great honour to celebrate the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. All sons and daughters of the state at home and in the diaspora are proud of this historic moment. We must uphold our tradition.
“I also want to say all challenges associated with the Ibadan traditional institution are now over, and put behind us. This means that the process is now sacrosanct,” the governor said.
The Governor thanked the President for taking the time to honour the traditional ruler and the people.
“There is no more rancour about the kingship in Ibadanland, ” the governor added.
Oba Ladoja said his ascension to the throne reflected the race of life and place of destiny.
“I accept not just the paraphernalia of office but also the responsibilities attached to it
“I want to sincerely appreciate my brother and friend, President Bola Tinubu, for honouring me and all the sons and daughters of Ibadanland with his visit here today.
“It is not by power, influence, connection or money that we are here today. I appreciate God for taking me to the finishing line from the starting point as the Mogaji of the all-inclusive Arusa family, Isale Osi, Ibadan, in 1992 till date,” he added.
The Olubadan noted that he would uphold the trust the Olubadan Council members and kingmakers reposed in him while thanking the governor for ratifying his selection.
Some of the dignitaries at the event included the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji; and the Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Adeleke. The former Governors were Donald Duke of Cross River, Olagunsoye Oyinola of Osun State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, and Senator Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State.
President Tinubu was accompanied to the event by Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Zacch Adedeji.
The Sultan of Sokoto and co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Alhaji Sa’ad Muhammad Abubakar III, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, were also at the ceremony.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has disclosed plans to sponsor a bill seeking to introduce a single six-year tenure for presidents and governors after the 2027 general elections.
Bamidele said the proposed legislation would be among the first bills he intends to introduce when the next Senate is inaugurated, arguing that it would enable elected leaders to focus on governance rather than re-election campaigns.
Speaking during an interview with reporters in his office on Tuesday, the lawmaker said the current two-term arrangement often compels officeholders to devote a significant portion of their first term to political calculations and preparations for re-election.
“One of the first set of bills that I look forward to moving, by God’s grace, when we come back for the 11th Senate, God willing, is for a bill that will only make it possible for anyone who wants to be president of this country, or governor in any part of this country, to spend only one term of six years,” he said.
According to him, a single tenure would eliminate distractions associated with seeking a second term.
“So that you don’t even have to worry about wasting almost one and a half years of your first term thinking and struggling and looking forward to how you’ll be re-elected,” Bamidele said.
“If you know you are there for six years, only one tenure, you put in your best from day one. You know this is the only chance that you have.”
The Senate Leader acknowledged that the proposal may not enjoy universal support but maintained that lawmakers have a responsibility to initiate reforms they believe would strengthen governance.
“That’s my opinion. It doesn’t mean everybody will agree with me. But it also does not mean that I am prevented from doing that because that has not been the law,” he said.
Bamidele stressed that laws are meant to evolve in response to changing realities and public needs.
“The essence of law, the essence of parliament, is that laws are like human beings; they grow,” he added.
The proposal, if formally introduced and passed by the National Assembly, would require constitutional amendments before it can take effect.
Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi Ahmad, has broken his silence on his visitation to Ibadan late last year, amidst outrage that he was trying to Islamise Oyo State with some Northern ideologies and tenets.
Gumi stressed that nobody can stop him from visiting anywhere in the country, while maintaining that he was not invited by any Muslim group or individual in the South-West.
In a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday, he said he was in Ibadan as a representative of northern Islamic scholars.
He made this known barely a day after one of the victims of the abduction in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State dismissed claims that their abductors demanded the implementation of Sharia law in the state as part of the conditions for releasing the victims.
PUNCH Online reports that the principal of Community High School, Esiele, Oyo State, Mrs Rachael Alamu, while speaking from captivity in a now-viral video, said the gunmen said they never demanded the introduction of Sharia law or a N1 billion ransom as reported in some quarters, but rather for the release of their associates currently in the custody of Nigerian authorities.
Also, the Muslim Rights Concern rejected the alleged demand for Sharia in a statement issued on Monday, describing the report as “a lie from the pit of Jahannam (hell)”.
MURIC argued that the so-called demand was inserted by enemies of Islam in the negotiation team to tarnish the image of Islam.
However, aligning with the Islamic group’s position, Gumi wrote, “I quite understand now how Islamophobia is shaping politics in SW (South-West) and why I was unnecessarily dragged into their dirty local politics.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued six kidnap victims following a confrontation with terrorists along the Delwa–Komala road in Borno State.
The incident occurred at about 17:58 hours on June 6, 2026 when troops at Forward Operating Base Molai received intelligence that armed terrorists had intercepted and abducted civilians travelling along the route.
Troops were immediately mobilised on a fighting patrol to the location and reportedly made contact with the terrorists upon arrival in the general area.
According to the sources, the armed group abandoned the victims and fled into nearby bushes following the troops’ approach.
The victims were successfully rescued unharmed and comprised four adult males, one adult female and one minor.
They were said to have been secured and moved to a safer location for further assessment and necessary documentation.
The military noted that the general security situation in the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, adding that troops continue to maintain aggressive patrols and clearance operations across vulnerable areas.
It further stated that troops’ morale and operational effectiveness remain satisfactory as operations continue to deny terrorists freedom of action within the North-East theatre.
