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, in a colourful ceremony at the royal palace in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
The distinguished Yoruba title, which translates as “A President who reorganises the global space for humanity,” was bestowed in recognition of Mr Mahama’s leadership and his advocacy for international cooperation, fairness, and sustainable development.
The installation followed several days of traditional rites and preparations at the Ooni’s palace. The grounds were adorned with cultural displays and decorations, as chiefs, dignitaries, and members of the Yoruba community gathered to witness the historic occasion.
Mr Mahama has long championed multilateralism and a just global order. In recent addresses at the United Nations, he has consistently urged collective action to tackle pressing challenges such as climate change and economic inequality, while calling for stronger representation of developing nations in global decision-making.
This latest honour adds to his previous Yoruba titles. In October 2015, he was conferred with the title Aare Atolase of Offa by the Offa Kingdom in Kwara State, recognising his contributions to diplomacy and leadership.
Observers say the installation is expected to deepen cultural and diplomatic ties between Ghana and Nigeria, underscoring the historic and cultural bonds shared by the two nations.
The Ooni of Ife, widely regarded as one of the most influential traditional rulers among the Yoruba, continues to play a central role in promoting Yoruba heritage, interfaith harmony, and socio-economic development across Nigeria and the African diaspora.
Leave a Reply