Mahama Honoured in Ile-Ife as Ooni of Ife Installs Him Aare Atayeto Oodua
President John Dramani Mahama has been conferred with a prestigious Yoruba chieftaincy title by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, in a colourful ceremony held in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
The Ghanaian leader was installed as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source, a title which translates to “a president who reorganises the global space for humanity.” The honour recognises President Mahama’s leadership style, commitment to global cooperation, fairness, and advocacy for sustainable development.
The ceremony attracted traditional rulers, chiefs, dignitaries, and members of the wider Yoruba community. It followed days of traditional rites and cultural preparations at the Ooni’s palace, with the palace grounds adorned in rich cultural symbols and vibrant displays that reflected the deep heritage of the Yoruba people.
President Mahama has earned international recognition for championing multilateralism and a more equitable global system. In various global forums, including the United Nations, he has consistently called for collective action on pressing issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and the need for developing nations to have a stronger voice in global decision-making.
This latest honour adds to President Mahama’s growing list of traditional titles in Yorubaland. In October 2015, he was installed as Aare Atolase of Offa by the Offa Kingdom in Kwara State, in recognition of his diplomatic efforts and leadership on the international stage.
Observers say the conferment of the title is expected to further strengthen cultural and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Nigeria, reinforcing the long-standing historical and cultural bonds between the two countries.
The Ooni of Ife, regarded as one of the most revered traditional rulers among the Yoruba people, continues to play a leading role in promoting peace, cultural heritage, and socio-economic development across Nigeria and the African diaspora.
