Historic Chieftaincy Conferment in Ile-Ife
In a significant ceremony held on Monday, December 15, 2025, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, bestowed the esteemed chieftaincy title of 'Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source' upon Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. The event took place at the Afewonro Park within the Ooni's Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, drawing traditional rulers, political figures, and cultural dignitaries from both Yorubaland and Ghana.
The title, which loosely translates to 'A President who reorganises the global space for humanity,' was conferred in recognition of President Mahama's leadership qualities, his consistent advocacy for multilateralism, a fair global order, and his efforts towards African unity and Pan-African solidarity.
A Call for African Unity and Stronger Ties
During the ceremony, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi emphasized the importance of strengthening historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Ghana. He highlighted the shared heritage of African people, stating that they remain 'one people, one family' despite colonial-era borders. The Ooni remarked on the linguistic and cultural similarities between the Yoruba and Ghanaian people, citing examples like 'Akwaabo' and 'Ekaabo' as evidence of their shared roots.
The monarch also recalled a previous visit by President Mahama to Ile-Ife, where prayers were offered with a prophetic declaration that he would return to leadership, a prophecy which Oba Ogunwusi noted has since come to pass.
President Mahama's Acceptance and Dedication
In his acceptance speech, President Mahama expressed profound gratitude for the honor, describing it as deeply meaningful and symbolic of the historic bond between Ghana and Nigeria. He reiterated the importance of fostering harmony between the two nations, stating, 'When Nigeria prospers, Ghana prospers, and when Ghana prospers, Nigeria prospers.'
President Mahama dedicated the chieftaincy title to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as an 'elder brother' and a long-time friend. He also used the occasion to call for continued engagement with countries in the Sahel region, urging West African nations not to ostracize Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, but to build bridges between ECOWAS and these nations.
Context and Significance
The conferment was part of the activities marking the Ooni's 10th coronation anniversary. This is not President Mahama's first traditional title from a Yoruba kingdom; he previously received the 'Aare Atolase of Offa' title in October 2015 from the Offa Kingdom in Kwara State.
The event was attended by notable figures including Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, Osun State Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, and publisher Dele Momodu, underscoring the cultural and diplomatic significance of the occasion.
5 Comments
Stan Marsh
Another title, but what real problems does it solve?
Eric Cartman
Recognizing President Mahama for his advocacy for a fair global order is a positive affirmation of his work. Yet, one could question if these traditional honors truly hold sway in the complex world of international diplomacy, or if they are primarily ceremonial.
Kyle Broflovski
Traditional leaders should focus on local issues, not political endorsements.
Stan Marsh
The call for engaging with Sahel nations is a thoughtful and important diplomatic stance, emphasizing dialogue over ostracization. However, the practical challenges of achieving stability and peace in those regions are immense, requiring more than just cultural outreach.
Bermudez
While the Ooni's intention to promote African unity is commendable and a necessary ideal, the impact of such chieftaincy titles on actual regional policy remains to be seen. Real unity requires more than symbolic gestures; it needs concrete economic integration and political cooperation.