President John Dramani Mahama has been appointed as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, during a ceremony that took place in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
This esteemed Yoruba chieftaincy title, which means “A President who reorganises the global space for humanity,” was awarded in acknowledgment of President Mahama’s leadership and his advocacy for global collaboration, equity, and sustainable development.
The installation ceremony followed several days of preparations at the Ooni of Ife’s palace, where various cultural rites and ceremonies were conducted in anticipation of the event.
The palace grounds were vibrant with traditional displays, decorations, and the attendance of chiefs, dignitaries, and members of the Yoruba community who came together to witness this momentous occasion.
President Mahama has been recognized for his unwavering support for multilateralism and a just global order. In his recent international engagements, including speeches at the United Nations, he has persistently advocated for collective efforts to tackle global issues such as climate change and economic disparity, while also championing a more significant representation for developing nations in global decision-making processes.
This recent accolade adds to President Mahama’s existing traditional titles within the Yoruba community. In October 2015, he was honored 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 anticipated to further enhance cultural and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Nigeria, reflecting the profound historical and cultural connections shared by the two nations.
The Ooni of Ife, esteemed as one of the most respected traditional leaders among the Yoruba people, continues to play a pivotal role in fostering Yoruba heritage, interfaith harmony, and socio-economic development throughout Nigeria and the broader African diaspora.
