Tinubu likens Nigerians’ hardship to “painful surgery,” pledges economic recovery

Ibadan, Oyo State – September 27, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the economic difficulties currently facing Nigerians as the “pain of a painful surgery,” urging citizens to remain patient as his administration’s reforms take hold.

The president made the remarks on Friday at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, during the grand coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Tinubu, before the packed audience of dignitaries and traditional rulers, claimed that the hardships brought on by ongoing economic reforms were unavoidable steps toward lasting growth.

“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,” he said, adding that the economy has “turned the corner” and that there is “a bright light at the end of the tunnel.”

The president thanked Nigerians for their “perseverance, endurance, and understanding,” alleging that short-term sacrifices will lay a foundation for stability and sustainable development.

Friday’s ceremony drew prominent personalities from across Nigeria and beyond:

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State presented the Staff of Office to the new monarch.

Traditional leaders including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alaafin of Oyo, and Soun of Ogbomosho joined a host of first-class monarchs, federal ministers, and lawmakers.

Security was tight as President Tinubu arrived around 2:28 p.m., welcomed by cheering crowds and Ibadan’s political elite.

The event followed the completion of traditional rites earlier in the day, when Oba Ladoja received the symbolic Akoko leaf and wore the customary white crown. He succeeds the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7 after less than a year on the throne.

In his first public address as Olubadan, Oba Ladoja called on President Tinubu to approve the creation of an “Ibadan State” before 2027, reflecting long-standing local aspirations for greater political autonomy.

While Tinubu’s metaphor of “surgery” demonstrates the severity of Nigerians’ economic pain, it has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters in government claim reforms, such as fuel subsidy removal, currency adjustments, and fiscal tightening are necessary to stabilize the economy.

Critics, however, argue that the pace of change and inadequate social protections have left millions struggling with soaring food prices and a weak naira. Economists caution that unless citizens see tangible improvements soon, the “bright light” Tinubu promises may feel distant.

Friday’s appearance in Ibadan allowed the president to pair cultural celebration with a national message of resilience. Whether his “painful surgery” narrative resonates will depend on how quickly reforms translate into real relief for millions of households and businesses who are not only suffering economic strangulation but also ravaging insecurity.