Nigeria’s Ooni of Ife to Confer Honour on Mahama
His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, intends to honour President John Dramani Mahama, by conferring on him the title, “Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source”.
The rare title translates as “A President who reorganises the global space for humanity.”
The honour will be conferred on Monday, December 15, 2025.
According to a statement by the Jubilee House, the exceptional honour will recognise President Mahama’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism, global equity, and his tireless advocacy for a fair international order that prioritises cooperation, sustainable development, and amplifies the voices of developing nations.
“The Aare Atayeto Oodua title is not merely ceremonial. It is a profound acknowledgement of President Mahama’s statesmanship and vision for a more just world. His recent address to the United Nations, which resonated powerfully across Africa and beyond, exemplified his dedication to confronting global challenges, from climate change to economic inequality, while championing the cause of marginalised nations in international policy-making.”
It said the honour further cements President Mahama’s deep connection with the Yoruba people.
The Jubilee House anticipates that the yet-to-be-conferred title will significantly strengthen the already robust cultural and diplomatic bonds between Nigeria and Ghana, two West African nations with shared histories and complementary visions for regional development.
It may be recalled that Mahama was conferred in 2015 the title of Aare Atolase of Offa by the Offa Kingdom in Kwara State.
At that installation, His Royal Majesty Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye I, the Olofa of Offa, described President Mahama as a leader “who ensures the nobility of this Kingdom is maintained.”
About Ooni of Ife
The Ooni of Ife occupies a unique position in African traditional leadership. As the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife, regarded as the ancestral and spiritual home of the Yoruba people, the Ooni wields enormous cultural influence not only across Nigeria but throughout the global Yoruba community.
His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, who ascended the sacred throne in 2015, has distinguished himself as a champion of Yoruba culture, interfaith dialogue, and socio-economic development.
He has also been instrumental in strengthening ties with the African diaspora and promoting African unity.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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