The ancient city of Ile-Ife in Osun State was agog with celebration as the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, bestowed a prestigious Yoruba chieftaincy title on the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Dr. John Dramani Mahama.
A Historic Honour at the Palace Square
The installation ceremony, which took place on Monday, December 15, 2025, was held at the historic Palace Square in Ile-Ife. President Mahama was conferred with the title of 'Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source', a name which translates to 'A President who reorganises the global space for humanity'. This significant event formed a key part of the festivities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Videos from the lavish ceremony quickly spread across social media platforms, capturing the grandeur of the occasion. One particularly heartwarming clip showed the revered Yoruba monarch cutting a giant anniversary cake amidst cheers from a gathering of dignitaries and guests. The arrival of President Mahama was itself a spectacle; he landed at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State, and was welcomed by a large and enthusiastic crowd as he proceeded to the ancient city of Ile-Ife.
Dignitaries and Reactions at the Event
The ceremony attracted a high-profile audience, reflecting the importance of the occasion. Among the distinguished guests were Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group and Africa's richest man, and Dele Momodu, the renowned publisher of Ovation Magazine. The presence of such figures underscored the cultural and political significance of the title conferment.
Ghana's national broadcaster, GTV, officially announced the event on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, @GTV_Ghana, sharing the news with a wider audience. On Nigerian social media, reactions were mixed. While many users celebrated the Ooni and the honour bestowed on the Ghanaian leader, others commented on the opulence of the celebrations.
Context of Recent Honours and Recognition
This is not the first time the Ooni has used his platform to honour prominent African figures. Recall that earlier, a video showed the moment Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was also conferred with a chieftaincy title in Osun State, an event the Ooni himself described as historic.
Furthermore, the ceremony highlighted the Ooni's influential role beyond culture. In a related note, a recent viral video showed Aliko Dangote publicly appreciating the monarch for his intervention during the construction of his factories. Dangote recounted how the Ooni helped resolve community fears related to 19 shrines located at a project site, showcasing the traditional ruler's ability to bridge modern enterprise and traditional values.
The conferment of the Aare Atayeto Oodua title on President John Mahama stands as a powerful symbol of pan-African unity and the strengthening of diplomatic ties through shared cultural heritage. It reinforces the position of the Ooni of Ife as a pivotal custodian of Yoruba culture and a key player in fostering relationships across the continent.
