President John Dramani Mahama has been conferred with a high-ranking and prestigious Yoruba chieftaincy title, the Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source, by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The installation ceremony, held in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria served not only as a celebration of cultural unity but also as a platform for President Mahama to issue a profound diplomatic call for bridge-building between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the break-away Sahelian nations.
“I want to thank you for the honor done me. It shows the love that I enjoy here in Nigeria. Because today is a Monday and for all of you to leave whatever you’re doing – and I know some of you are very busy people with big businesses – to come and join us here in Ile Ife to honor me at this conferment”
President John Dramani Mahama
The title, which translates as “A President who reorganises the global space for humanity,” was bestowed in recognition of President Mahama’s consistent leadership, his strong advocacy for global cooperation, and his relentless pursuit of equity and sustainable development, particularly for developing nations on the international stage.
The palace grounds were alive with traditional displays and dignitaries who gathered to witness the historic occasion, an event expected to further strengthen the deep historical and cultural bonds shared between Ghana and Nigeria.
President Mahama’s extensive work in global multilateralism and his dedication to advocating for a fair global order were cited as the primary reasons for the honour.
In various international engagements, including his addresses at the United Nations, the Ghanaian leader has consistently championed collective action to address pervasive global challenges, from climate change to severe economic inequality. The title acknowledged his efforts to ensure that developing nations secure a more robust and equitable voice in global decision-making forums.
This latest recognition adds to President Mahama’s existing traditional honours within the Yoruba world, notably the Aare Atolase of Offa title conferred upon him in 2015 by the Offa Kingdom in Kwara State, underscoring his established profile as a respected statesman within Nigeria.
The Ooni of Ife, one of the most revered traditional rulers among the Yoruba people, continues to leverage his influence to promote Yoruba heritage and socio-economic development across the wider African diaspora, making the conferment highly significant for Ghana-Nigeria diplomatic ties.
ECOWAS and the Sahel
Using the highly symbolic occasion, President Mahama pivoted from cultural celebration to urgent regional diplomacy, addressing the recent withdrawal of three member states who formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
He warned decisively against any attempts by ECOWAS to retaliate or marginalize the nations now outside the fold.
“Three of our members have decided to break away and form the AES. I believe that it shouldn’t deter us because God put us in this sub-region together for a purpose,” President Mahama stated, emphasizing the shared destiny of all West African countries.
He stressed that instead of ostracizing the Sahelian states, the community must work to deliberately “continue to build a bridge,” with them. His excellency warned that the conflict and instability prevalent in the Sahel pose an existential threat to the entire sub-region, cautioning against indifference.
“In Ghana they say if there’s fire burning in your neighbor’s house, take water and go and help him to quench the fire, because when it finishes burning his house, it will spread into your house”
President John Dramani Mahama
In dedicating his chieftaincy title, President Mahama extended profound gratitude to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he praised as an elder brother and a consistent source of inspiration. He noted that President Tinubu had maintained his friendship and support even during his period in opposition.
President Mahama also expressed his deep appreciation to the numerous dignitaries and chiefs who were present at the installation ceremony in Ile Ife, underscoring the weight and importance of the honour bestowed upon him.
He concluded by reiterating the strong bonds of solidarity between the two West African nations and the enduring power of traditional and political diplomacy.
READ ALSO: ACEP Flags Policy Risks After Withdrawal of Ghana–Barari Lithium Deal
