Preparations are underway in Osun State, Nigeria, as the traditional leader of Ile-Ife, the Ooni of Ife, His Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, is set to confer one of the most esteemed Yoruba chieftaincy titles, “Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source,” upon President Mahama on Monday, December 15, 2025.
This title can be interpreted as “A President who reorganizes the global space for humanity.”
President John Mahama has been a longstanding advocate for multilateralism and the quest for a just global order, consistently advocating for fairness, collaboration, and sustainable development on the international stage.
In his recent speech to the United Nations, which resonated throughout the continent and beyond, he emphasized the necessity for countries to unite in addressing global issues, ranging from climate change to economic disparity, while ensuring that developing nations have a more significant role in influencing international policies.
On the afternoon of Sunday, December 14, the palace grounds of the traditional ruler were alive with activity, as canopies were being set up, decorations arranged, and portraits of President Mahama prominently displayed, with the local community eagerly looking forward to his visit.
President Mahama, who already possesses the distinguished title of Aare Atolase of Offa, has maintained strong relationships with Yoruba communities.
In October 2015, the Offa Kingdom in Kwara State awarded him the honorary title at the palace of the Olofa of Offa. HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye I characterized the honor as a recognition of a leader “who ensures the nobility of this Kingdom is upheld.”
The upcoming installation of Aare Atayeto Oodua is anticipated to further enhance the cultural and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Ghana.
The Ooni of Ife serves as the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife, a historic town in Osun State, Nigeria, and is regarded as one of the most significant Yoruba monarchs.
The present Ooni, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, took the throne in 2015. He is renowned for his efforts in promoting Yoruba culture, fostering interfaith dialogue, and advancing socio-economic development, in addition to enhancing connections with the African diaspora.
Ile-Ife is regarded as the ancestral and spiritual home of the Yoruba people, which bestows upon the Ooni significant cultural authority throughout Nigeria and the broader Yoruba community.
