Ooni of Ife confers traditional title on Ghanaian President John Mahama

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has conferred President John Dramani Mahama of the Republic of Ghana as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source.

The installation, which took place on Monday in Ile-Ife, Osun State, is said to be part of the activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni.

Dignitaries at the event included the governor of Osun State, represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi; business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Owa Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Hastrup; Timi of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Lawal; Deji of Akure; Ajero of Ijero; monarchs from Ghana, and captains of industries, among others.

Speaking shortly after his installation, President Mahama described Nigeria and Ghana as twins, adding jokingly that it is only as a competition in the game of football that separates the twins.

He added that God had brought the two countries together for a divine purpose and pledged to strengthen unity and harmony between Ghana and Nigeria.

He maintained that the people of Ile-Ife Kingdom and Ghana are one family, while noting that the people of Accra trace their ancestral origins to Ile-Ife.

“As long as I still remain President of Ghana, I’ll ensure that I bring the two countries together and bridge the gap between the departed countries and the ECOWAS,” he said.

Ooni Ogunwusi, while speaking, described President Mahama as a symbol of African unity, cultural continuity and economic reform, noting that the African continent shares common roots beyond modern political boundaries.

According to the Ile-Ife monarch, Mahama’s relationship with Ile-Ife and the palace predates his current recognition, recalling that the Ghanaian leader had maintained close ties with the palace.

“This palace is not new to you. You have been here before, and throughout my journey to becoming the Ooni of Ife, you have been part of that journey. You have grown with us in our midst,” the Ooni said.

Ooni Ogunwusi emphasised that there are no real boundaries between Nigeria and Ghana, and indeed across Africa, stressing the deep cultural and historical connections that bind Africans together.

He cited linguistic similarities between the Yoruba people and the Ga people of Ghana as evidence of shared ancestry.

Last week, Ooni similarly conferred the Yeye Asiwaju title on the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.