Preparations are underway in Osun State, Nigeria, as the Ooni of Ife, His Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, readies to confer a prestigious Yoruba chieftaincy title on President John Dramani Mahama today, Monday, December 15, 2025.
President Mahama is set to be honoured with the title “Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source,” which loosely translates as “A President who reorganises the global space for humanity.”
The recognition is reserved for personalities considered to have made outstanding contributions to humanity, leadership and global cooperation.
The honour comes against the backdrop of President Mahama’s longstanding advocacy for multilateralism and a fairer global order. He has consistently called for equity, cooperation and sustainable development, particularly for countries in the Global South.
In a recent address at the United Nations, President Mahama urged nations to work collectively to confront shared challenges such as climate change and economic inequality, while ensuring that developing countries have a stronger voice in shaping international policy.
Ahead of the ceremony, the palace of the Ooni of Ife in Ile-Ife was a hive of activity on Sunday, with canopies being mounted, decorations arranged and portraits of President Mahama displayed, as residents and traditional leaders prepared to welcome the Ghanaian leader.
President Mahama already holds ties with Yoruba traditional institutions. In October 2015, he was conferred with the title ‘Aare Atolase of Offa’ by the Offa Kingdom in Kwara State.
At the time, the Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye I, described the honour as recognising a leader “who ensures the nobility of this Kingdom is maintained.”
The forthcoming installation as Aare Atayeto Oodua is expected to further deepen cultural and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Nigeria.
The Ooni of Ife is regarded as one of the most influential traditional rulers in Yorubaland. His Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, who ascended the throne in 2015, is widely known for promoting Yoruba culture, interfaith harmony, socio-economic development and stronger ties with the African diaspora.
Ile-Ife is revered as the ancestral and spiritual home of the Yoruba people, a status that gives the Ooni immense cultural authority across Nigeria and the wider Yoruba world.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
