President John Dramani Mahama has been officially conferred with one of the most prestigious Yoruba chieftaincy titles, “Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source” (loosely translated as “A President Who Reorganizes the Global Space for Humanity”), by the revered traditional ruler of Ile-Ife, the Ooni of Ife, His Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The ceremony took place today, Monday, December 15, 2025, in Osun State, Nigeria.
The title is reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to humanity, global leadership, and international cooperation.
President Mahama’s conferment recognizes his long-standing advocacy for multilateralism, equity, and sustainable development, particularly for countries in the Global South.
In a recent address at the United Nations, Mahama emphasized the need for nations to collaborate on global challenges such as climate change and economic inequality, while ensuring that developing countries have a stronger voice in shaping international policies.
Ahead of the ceremony, the palace of the Ooni of Ife in Ile-Ife had been a hub of activity, with decorations, canopies, and portraits of President Mahama displayed as traditional leaders and residents prepared to welcome the Ghanaian leader.
President Mahama, who previously received the title ‘Aare Atolase of Offa’ from the Offa Kingdom in Kwara State in October 2015, now strengthens his ties with Yoruba traditional institutions. At that time, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye I described the honour as recognising a leader “who ensures the nobility of this Kingdom is maintained.”
The new title, Aare Atayeto Oodua, is expected to deepen cultural and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Nigeria further.
The Ooni of Ife, regarded as one of the most influential Yoruba rulers, is widely respected for promoting Yoruba culture, interfaith harmony, socio-economic development, and strengthening connections with the African diaspora.
Ile-Ife, revered as the ancestral and spiritual home of the Yoruba people, grants the Ooni immense cultural authority across Nigeria and the wider Yoruba world.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
