President John Dramani Mahama has been installed as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at a colourful traditional ceremony in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
The highly respected Yoruba chieftaincy title, which broadly signifies a leader who reorganises and uplifts humanity, was bestowed on President Mahama in recognition of his leadership qualities and his advocacy for global cooperation, equity and sustainable development.
The installation followed several days of cultural preparations and traditional rites at the Ooni’s palace. The ceremony itself attracted chiefs, dignitaries and members of the Yoruba community, with the palace grounds richly adorned and animated by traditional music, customs and pageantry.
President Mahama has built a reputation on the international stage as a strong advocate for multilateralism and a fairer global order. In various global forums, including the United Nations, he has consistently called for collective action to tackle challenges such as climate change, economic inequality and the marginalisation of developing countries in global decision-making.
This latest honour adds to a growing list of traditional titles conferred on President Mahama within the Yoruba cultural space. In October 2015, he was also honoured with the title Aare Atolase of Offa by the Offa Kingdom in Nigeria’s Kwara State, in recognition of his leadership and diplomatic contributions.
The conferment of the Aare Atayeto Oodua title is expected to further deepen cultural and diplomatic ties between Ghana and Nigeria, reflecting the long-standing historical and cultural connections between the two nations.
The Ooni of Ife, one of the most revered traditional rulers among the Yoruba people, continues to play a significant role in promoting cultural heritage, interfaith harmony and socio-economic development across Nigeria and the wider African diaspora.
