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 ceremony held in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
The prestigious Yoruba chieftaincy title, which translates as “A President who reorganises the global space for humanity,” was conferred in recognition of President Mahama’s leadership and advocacy for global cooperation, equity, and sustainable development.
The installation followed days of preparations at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, where cultural rites and ceremonies were performed ahead of the event.
The palace grounds came alive with traditional displays, decorations, and the presence of chiefs, dignitaries, and members of the Yoruba community who gathered to witness the historic occasion.
President Mahama has long been known for his strong support for multilateralism and a fair global order. In recent international engagements, including addresses at the United Nations, he has consistently called for collective action to address global challenges such as climate change and economic inequality, while advocating for a stronger voice for developing nations in global decision-making.
This latest honour adds to President Mahama’s existing traditional titles within the Yoruba world. In October 2015, he was conferred with the title Aare Atolase of Offa by the Offa Kingdom in Kwara State, in recognition of his contributions to leadership and diplomacy.
The installation is expected to further strengthen cultural and diplomatic ties between Ghana and Nigeria, reflecting the deep historical and cultural bonds shared 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 key role in promoting Yoruba heritage, interfaith harmony, and socio-economic development across Nigeria and the wider African diaspora.
