Ooni of Ife Confers Prestigious Yoruba Title on Ghana’s President Mahama, Calls for African Unity Beyond Borders

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has installed Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama as the Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source, using the occasion to deliver a powerful message on African unity and shared heritage beyond colonial boundaries.

The chieftaincy ceremony took place on Monday at Afewonro Park within the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, drawing traditional rulers, political leaders and cultural figures from across Yorubaland and Ghana. The event underscored Ile-Ife’s historic status as the spiritual birthplace of the Yoruba people.

Welcoming President Mahama with full traditional honours and tight security, the Ooni—who also chairs the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council—described the Ghanaian leader as a symbol of cultural continuity, Pan-African cooperation and economic reform.

“This palace is familiar to you. You have been part of our journey and have grown with us,” Oba Ogunwusi said, reflecting on Mahama’s longstanding relationship with Ile-Ife, even before his return to office as Ghana’s president.

The monarch stressed that borders imposed during colonial rule should not weaken Africa’s shared identity, pointing to linguistic and cultural similarities between the Yoruba people and communities in Ghana.

“In Ghana, you say ‘Akwaabo,’ and here we say ‘Ekaabo.’ Are they not the same? We are one people, one family,” the Ooni declared.

Oba Ogunwusi also recalled Mahama’s earlier visit to the palace after leaving office, when prayers were offered with a prophetic declaration that he would return to leadership—an outcome the monarch said has now been fulfilled.

“To the glory of God, you are now a true reformer. Since your return to office, Ghana’s economy has witnessed a remarkable turnaround,” the Ooni said, praising Mahama’s leadership and expressing confidence in his potential influence within the African Union.

In his acceptance speech, President Mahama thanked the Ooni and the people of Ile-Ife, highlighting the deep ancestral links between Ghana and Nigeria.

“The people of Accra trace their lineage to Ile-Ife. We are one family,” Mahama said, dedicating the title to the people of Ghana.

He pledged to use the honour to strengthen bilateral relations and promote unity across West Africa, promising to work towards reconciliation and cooperation within the ECOWAS sub-region.

“As long as I serve as President of Ghana, I will continue to deepen ties between our nations and help bridge divides within West Africa,” he added.