The President of Ghana, John Mahama, was officially installed as the Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
Naijaonpoint reports that his installation was done at a grand ceremony held at the palace square in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Monday, December 15.
The prestigious Yoruba chieftaincy title, which Mahama received in a ceremony marked by fanfare and heavy security, attracted a host of high-profile dignitaries from Nigeria and across Africa.
The title, “Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source,” loosely translates as “a president who reorganizes the global space for humanity” or “A President who reorders the global space for the good of humanity.”
The honour recognizes President Mahama’s leadership qualities, his contributions to governance in Africa, and his long-standing advocacy for global cooperation, fairness, and sustainable development on the international stage.
The ceremony underscored the cultural and diplomatic significance of the honour, drawing prominent figures, including:
Aliko Dangote; Ado Bayero, The Emir of Kano; Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, Former President of Botswana; Oba Clement Haastrup, The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland; Oba Mufutau Oloyede Esuwoye, The Olofa of Offa; Monarchs from Ghana and other invited guests.
President Mahama made a notable entrance to the ceremony around 1:30 p.m. in a royal automobile-powered chariot.
Speaking at the event, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, described Mahama as a reformer, praising his commitment to multilateralism and African unity.