Former President John Dramani Mahama has been ceremonially inducted into the esteemed Yoruba chieftaincy as the Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The grand traditional ceremony took place in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, and was attended by traditional rulers, dignitaries, and members of the Yoruba community.
The honour, which translates as “a leader who reshapes the global order for the benefit of humanity,” was bestowed upon President Mahama in recognition of his exceptional leadership, commitment to international cooperation, equity, and sustainable development. This latest accolade puts him among a distinguished group of personalities whose influence reaches far beyond their home countries.
The conferment came after several days of ancestral rites and traditional preparations at the Ooni’s palace. The palace was transformed with elaborate cultural decorations, and the event was celebrated as a moment of profound significance for both the Yoruba people and their guests.
This is not President Mahama’s first recognition by Yoruba traditional institutions. In October 2015, he was installed as the Aare Atolase of Offa by the Offa Kingdom in Kwara State, a title acknowledging his contributions to leadership, peace, and diplomacy across Africa.
Observers suggest that this latest title will further strengthen the cultural and diplomatic bonds between Ghana and Nigeria, highlighting the enduring historical and social ties between the two nations.
As the Ooni of Ife—one of the most revered custodians of Yoruba tradition, continues to promote cultural preservation, religious harmony, and socio-economic progress, this ceremony marks another milestone in fostering unity and cooperation across the African continent.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
