Preparations are underway in Osun State, Nigeria, ahead of a historic cultural ceremony in which the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, will confer one of the most revered Yoruba chieftaincy titles — Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source — on President John Dramani Mahama.

The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the ancient palace in Ile-Ife.

The title, which loosely translates as “a president who reorganizes the global space for humanity,” reflects President Mahama’s long-standing advocacy for multilateralism, global equity, and inclusive development. Over the years, he has consistently championed cooperation among nations and called for reforms to ensure a fairer international order, particularly for developing countries.

President Mahama’s global outlook was recently highlighted in a widely acclaimed address to the United Nations, where he urged collective action to confront pressing global challenges such as climate change and economic inequality. He emphasized the importance of amplifying the voices of the Global South in international decision-making and promoting policies that foster shared prosperity and sustainability.

On Sunday afternoon, the palace grounds of the Ooni of Ife came alive with activity as preparations intensified. Canopies were erected, decorations carefully arranged, and portraits of President Mahama prominently displayed, underscoring the excitement and anticipation within the local community ahead of the President’s visit.

This will not be President Mahama’s first traditional honour within the Yoruba cultural sphere. In October 2015, he was conferred with the title Aare Atolase of Offa by the Offa Kingdom in Kwara State. At the time, the Olofa of Offa, His Royal Majesty Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye I, described the honour as a recognition of a leader “who ensures the nobility of this Kingdom is maintained.”

The forthcoming installation as Aare Atayeto Oodua is expected to further deepen the strong cultural, historical, and diplomatic ties between Ghana and Nigeria, while reinforcing shared values of unity, leadership, and Pan-African cooperation.

The Ooni of Ife is the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife, an ancient town regarded as the ancestral and spiritual home of the Yoruba people. As one of the most influential monarchs in Yorubaland, the Ooni commands immense cultural authority across Nigeria and the wider Yoruba world.

The current Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, ascended the throne in 2015 and is widely respected for his efforts to promote Yoruba culture, foster interfaith harmony, drive socio-economic development, and strengthen ties between Africa and its global diaspora.