…Installed As Aare Atayeto Oodua
President John Dramani Mahama has been named Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, during a ceremony in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
This esteemed Yoruba chieftaincy title means “A President who reorganises the global space for humanity,” and it was awarded to honor President Mahama’s leadership and his efforts in promoting global cooperation, fairness, and sustainable development.
The installation took place after several days of preparations at the Ooni of Ife’s palace, where various cultural rites and ceremonies were conducted prior to the event.
The palace was vibrant with traditional performances, decorations, and the attendance of chiefs, dignitaries, and members of the Yoruba community who came to celebrate this significant event.
President Mahama is well-known for his strong advocacy for multilateralism and a just global order. In his recent international engagements, including speeches at the United Nations, he has repeatedly emphasized the need for collective action to tackle global issues like climate change and economic disparity, while also pushing for a more prominent role for developing countries in global decision-making.
This new honor adds to President Mahama’s existing traditional titles in the Yoruba community. In October 2015, he received the title Aare Atolase of Offa from the Offa Kingdom in Kwara State, acknowledging his contributions to leadership and diplomacy.
The installation is anticipated to enhance cultural and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Nigeria, highlighting the strong historical and cultural connections between the two nations.
The Ooni of Ife, seen as one of the most respected traditional leaders among the Yoruba people, continues to be instrumental in promoting Yoruba culture, interfaith unity, and socio-economic progress throughout Nigeria and the broader African diaspora.