Ghana’s Former President John Mahama Installed as Aare Atayeto Oodua in Osun, Attended by Dangote, Emir of Kano, and Regional Monarchs

The ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, was the epicenter of African diplomatic and business convergence, as dignitaries, including Ghanaian former President John Mahama, business mogul Aliko Dangote, and a host of prominent traditional rulers, gathered for a prestigious chieftaincy installation.

The event, which took place at the palace square of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, saw former President Mahama conferred with the highly revered Yoruba chieftaincy title of Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source.

The ceremony was a massive affair, drawing global and regional heavyweights. Among the distinguished guests present were the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero; the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Haastrup; the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Oloyede Esuwoye; and Former President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi. The presence of industry titan Aliko Dangote and monarchs from Ghana further underscored the significance of the cultural exchange.

The Ooni of Ife, in his address, described Mahama as a true reformer and praised his sterling leadership qualities and profound contributions to the advancement of governance in Africa. The title, “Aare Atayeto Oodua,” loosely translates as a leader who works to “reorganize the global space for humanity,” and recognizes Mahama’s consistent advocacy for multilateralism, global equity, and a stronger voice for developing nations on the international stage.

Mahama, who made a grand entrance in a royal chariot, accepted the honor, which is seen as cementing the long-standing cultural and diplomatic ties between the Yoruba nation and the Republic of Ghana.