President Bola Tinubu has hailed the people of Ibadan for their support of his presidential bid during his visit to Oyo State ahead of the 2023 election. Recall that Tinubu popularised “Emi l’okan”, a Yoruba phrase meaning “it is my turn”, in June 2022, when he addressed members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Speaking in Ibadan at the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th monarch of the ancient city on Friday, President Tinubu appreciated the people of Ibadan for their unwavering support over the years.
Congratulating Ibadan residents on the coronation of their new king, he prayed that the happiness they are currently experiencing won’t become a source of sadness anytime soon.
“I greet the people of Ibadan, congratulations on the coronation of your new king. We’ll continue to experience joy. This God-given happiness will not become a source of sadness. May your children prosper and never shall sadness follow them. Thank you for taking care of me. I once came to Oke Mopo to seek your support to tell you ‘Emi lo’kan’, (it’s my turn), and now we are there. Thank you very much,” he said.
He also congratulated Oba Ladoja on his ascension to the throne of Olubadan, stressing that it is an honour for him to witness his coronation as president.
Tinubu concluded by wishing the latest monarch long life, prosperity and relevance as he leads the people of Ibadan.
“It’s a great honour for me to be here as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to witness your coronation, history. All the things that you’ve started, the deliberations, expectations and history that we share together for this country. It is a great honour, a moment of history that you ascend the throne of your forebearers.
It is my prayer that you will live long and be celebrated as one of the rare gems of history to ascend the throne of your forefathers. It is my honour, joy, and pleasure to wish you this day and many more days ahead. Many more years of joy, prosperity and relevance in the institution of democracy and history of Obaship in Nigeria.
I take this opportunity to salute former governors like Donald Duke, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Mallam Shekarau and my friend Rabiu Kwankwas,” he added.
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