Ile-Ife, the ancient cradle of the Yoruba race and spiritual source of African civilisation, is poised for a historic moment as His Imperial Majesty, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, prepares to welcome an exceptional assembly of African leaders tomorrow in a ceremony that blends deep-rooted tradition with contemporary diplomacy.
The landmark event will feature the Grand Conferment of the Chieftaincy title of Aare Atayeto Oodua on President John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, an honour that underscores enduring cultural ties, shared heritage, and the strengthening of pan-African unity.
Confirmed to attend the historic gathering are President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, and President Duma Boko of Botswana.
In addition, strong indications suggest that more African presidents and high-ranking dignitaries will grace the occasion, including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The ceremony is expected to attract traditional rulers, political leaders, diplomats, cultural scholars, and thousands of observers from within and outside Nigeria, transforming Ile-Ife into a hub of African cultural diplomacy.
Beyond royal pageantry, the conferment symbolises Africa’s shared historical roots and the role of traditional institutions in fostering unity, peace, and cooperation across modern nation-states.
As drums echo, ancient rites unfold, and modern leadership converges at the Source, tomorrow’s event promises to reaffirm Ile-Ife’s timeless role as a meeting point of history, identity, and the future of African solidarity.
All eyes will be on Ile-Ife as tradition and contemporary African leadership meet in a moment destined for the history books.