President John Dramani Mahama has been officially installed as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, in a grand ceremony held in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
The esteemed Yoruba chieftaincy title, meaning “A President who reorganises the global space for humanity,” recognises President Mahama’s outstanding leadership and his consistent advocacy for global cooperation, equity, and sustainable development.
In the days leading up to the ceremony, the Ooni’s palace was a hub of cultural activities, with traditional rites, elaborate decorations, and vibrant displays. Chiefs, dignitaries, and members of the Yoruba community gathered to witness the historic occasion.
President Mahama has long been a proponent of multilateralism and fair global governance. In international forums, including the United Nations, he has championed collective action against global challenges such as climate change and economic inequality, while advocating for greater representation of developing nations in global decision-making.
This latest honour complements President Mahama’s previous traditional titles. In October 2015, he was named Aare Atolase of Offa by the Offa Kingdom in Kwara State, recognising his contributions to leadership and diplomacy within the Yoruba world.
The installation is expected to strengthen cultural and diplomatic ties between Ghana and Nigeria, reflecting the longstanding historical and cultural bonds shared between the two nations.
The Ooni of Ife, one of the most revered Yoruba rulers, continues to promote Yoruba heritage, interfaith harmony, and socio-economic development across Nigeria and the African diaspora.
