The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, will on Monday, 15 December 2025, preside over a historic installation ceremony for H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, as the Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source.
According to the official invitation released by the Palace, the landmark event will hold in two phases: the traditional rites at 11:00 a.m. inside Ile Oodua, Ooni’s Palace, followed by a grand public ceremony at 3:00 p.m. at the Ojaja Arena, Ife Grand Resort, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The installation is a grand concluding event of activities marking the 10th Coronation Anniversary of Ooni Ogunwusi — a historic milestone celebrated under the theme “10 Years of Ase: A Reign of Peace, Culture and Unity.”
President Mahama will be installed as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source, a title interpreted as “A President who Reorganizes the Global Space for Humanity.” The honour reflects the Ooni’s long-standing vision of using Ile-Ife — regarded as the spiritual and historical source of the Yoruba race — as a platform for cultural diplomacy, African unity and global engagement.
Palace sources say the conferment recognises Mahama’s leadership credentials, pan-African outlook and enduring relationship with Nigeria, particularly the Yoruba people.
President John Dramani Mahama’s connection with Yorubaland predates this honour. Widely documented, Mahama spent part of his early life in Offa, Kwara State, a Yoruba town he has often described as a “second home.” In recognition of this bond, he was conferred with a chieftaincy title in Offa in 2015, an event that cemented his cultural ties with the Yoruba people.
His interactions with Yoruba traditional institutions, including past visits to Ile-Ife, have positioned him as a familiar and respected figure within the broader Yoruba cultural space. The upcoming installation by the Ooni of Ife elevates this relationship to its highest symbolic level, placing Mahama within the cultural orbit of the Source itself.
Since ascending the throne in 2015, Ooni Ogunwusi has marked his reign with an emphasis on peacebuilding, cultural revival, youth empowerment, and international cultural diplomacy. The 10th Coronation Anniversary celebrations have showcased these themes, drawing traditional rulers, political leaders, diplomats and cultural enthusiasts from within and outside Nigeria.
The installation of a sitting African president as part of the anniversary finale underscores the Ooni’s broader vision of positioning Ile-Ife as a global centre for African heritage, leadership dialogue and unity.
The ceremony is expected to attract an array of dignitaries, including Yoruba monarchs, Nigerian and Ghanaian government officials, members of the diplomatic community, cultural leaders and thousands of spectators. Traditional rites, royal pageantry, cultural performances and high-level speeches are anticipated to mark the historic occasion.
As Ile-Ife prepares to host this defining moment, the event stands not only as a celebration of royal longevity but also as a powerful statement on Africa’s shared heritage, leadership and future.
