President Mahama Installed as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source in Ile-Ife

President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has been installed as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at a grand royal ceremony held in Ile-Ife, the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people.

The historic ceremony brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, captains of industry, diplomats, and cultural leaders from across Nigeria, Ghana, and the wider West African sub-region, underscoring the deep historical, cultural, and political bonds between the two countries.

Expressing gratitude for the honour, President Mahama said he accepted the title with deep humility and on behalf of the people of Ghana.

“I do not take this honour lightly. I receive this chieftaincy title on behalf of all the people of Ghana. It is a further cementing of the historic bond between the people of Ghana and the people of Nigeria,” President Mahama stated.

Reflecting on his long-standing personal relationship with Nigeria and the Ooni of Ife, President Mahama recalled the warmth and brotherhood he enjoyed during periods both in and out of political office.

“When I lost the elections in 2016, many people disappeared. But His Imperial Majesty never broke his friendship with me. Even when I was in opposition, he continued to ask, ‘When is your brother coming to visit me?’ That moved me deeply,” he said.

President Mahama recounted a visit to the Ooni’s palace during that period, noting that the encounter carried profound personal significance.

“After our meeting, His Imperial Majesty took me to the sacred parts of the palace, and the message from those secret places was clear: ‘Go, you will reclaim your seat.’ Truly, in 2024, I was re-elected as President,” he added.

Highlighting the shared destiny of Ghana and Nigeria, President Mahama emphasized the importance of regional solidarity and cooperation.

“When Nigeria prospers, Ghana prospers; and when Ghana prospers, Nigeria prospers. We are like twins of the same mother—except when we are playing football or debating who makes the better jollof,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.

He also used the occasion to comment on regional security and political challenges, particularly developments in the Sahel.

“God placed us together in this sub-region for a purpose. Rather than ostracise our brothers, we must continue to build bridges between ECOWAS and the Sahelian states, because our destinies are tied together,” President Mahama noted.

President Mahama further acknowledged the enduring friendship between himself and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as “an elder brother” and dedicating the honour to him.

“President Tinubu has been a source of inspiration and steadfast friendship to me, even in difficult times. I dedicate this honour to him,” he said.

In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, described President Mahama as a bridge-builder and a symbol of African unity, noting that the title Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source reflects his contributions to regional integration, peace, and Pan-African cooperation.