In a historic celebration of Pan-African unity, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Monday, the 15th of December, 2025, conferred the prestigious chieftaincy title of Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source upon Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. The ceremony, held with great solemnity at Afewonro Park within the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, served as a powerful reminder that despite the borders drawn during the colonial era, Africans remain “one people, one family.” The event drew an esteemed gathering of traditional rulers and political leaders from across Yorubaland and Ghana, reaffirming Ile-Ife’s enduring status as the spiritual cradle of the Yoruba people.
Receiving the Ghanaian leader with the highest traditional honors and strict security protocols, the Ooni, who acts as the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, praised President Mahama as a beacon of economic reform and cultural continuity.
Welcoming him back to the palace not as a stranger but as a long-standing ally, the monarch remarked that “This palace is familiar to you. You have been part of our journey and have grown with us.” This sentiment underscored a relationship that has persisted through various stages of the President’s political career.
The monarch used the occasion to challenge the validity of artificial colonial boundaries that separate West African nations, pointing to the linguistic parallels that bind the two countries together. He illustrated this connection by comparing the traditional greetings of both nations, declaring that “In Ghana, you say ‘Akwaabo,’ and here we say ‘Ekaabo.’ Are they not the same? We are one people, one family.” Oba Ogunwusi further reflected on a previous encounter during Mahama’s time out of office, noting that a prophetic declaration made then regarding his return to the presidency had been fulfilled.
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In a glowing tribute to the President’s administrative impact, the Ooni highlighted the positive shifts in Ghana’s financial landscape under his current tenure. He stated that “To the glory of God, you are now a true reformer. Upon assuming office for a second term, Ghana’s economy witnessed a remarkable turnaround. We are immensely proud of your leadership,” while expressing his firm belief in the President’s ability to influence the African Union for the better.
Responding to the honor, President Mahama expressed his deep appreciation to the Ooni and the people of Ife, acknowledging the ancient roots that link the Ga people of Ghana to their Nigerian ancestors. He affirmed this shared heritage by stating that “The people of Accra trace their lineage to Ile-Ife. We are one family,” and dedicated his new title to the citizens of Ghana. Looking toward the future, the President pledged to use his office to strengthen West African integration and bilateral cooperation, promising that “As long as I serve as President of Ghana, I will work to deepen ties between our nations and bridge divides within ECOWAS.”