Mahama to be conferred Prestigious Yoruba title

President John Dramani Mahama is set to be conferred with a prestigious traditional Nigerian title by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

The honour, “Aare Atayeto Oodua,” translated as “A President who reorganizes the global space for humanity,” is a recognition of President Mahama’s consistent advocacy for global equity, justice, and Africa’s rightful place within the international humanitarian and governance architecture.

The recognition follows a series of significant geopolitical and regional milestones, including President Mahama’s recent unanimous endorsement by ECOWAS as the sub-region’s preferred candidate for Chairperson of the African Union in 2027, when leadership rotates to West Africa.

Earlier, during his visit to Kenya for the country’s 62nd Independence Day celebrations at the invitation of President William Ruto, President Mahama pledged Ghana’s support in deploying troops to Jamaica to assist with reconstruction efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, which he described as leaving parts of the country “unrecognisable.”

At the global level, President Mahama has also drawn attention for his forthright address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, where he condemned Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip as genocide and renewed calls for reparatory justice for Africa over the Transatlantic Slave Trade, citing its enduring legacy of systemic inequality and underdevelopment.

The conferral of the title by one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional rulers underscores the growing relevance of ethical, values-driven leadership in shaping regional and global discourse beyond formal political institutions.

It further affirms the role of traditional authorities as partners in diplomacy—promoting peace, strengthening trade relations, and deepening cultural exchange across Africa and the diaspora.

Ultimately, the honour reflects President Mahama’s commitment to multilateralism, global equity, and principled leadership that prioritises human dignity, cooperation, and respect for human rights.

His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, who ascended the sacred throne of Ife in 2015, has emerged as a leading advocate for Yoruba cultural preservation, interfaith harmony, and inclusive socio-economic development. He has also played a key role in strengthening ties between Africa and its diaspora while championing Pan-African unity.

Beyond the palace, the Ooni is an accomplished entrepreneur and employer, providing direct employment to over 450 people across his businesses and indirectly supporting more than 3,000 livelihoods. Notably, over 300 indigenous youths are employed at the Inagbe Cocowood Factory under the Essential Homes Furniture brand—the first Nigerian furniture manufacturing company to utilise 100 per cent indigenous raw materials.

He currently serves as a Director on the Board of Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank Limited (formerly GTHomes), a leading national mortgage institution and former subsidiary of GTBank Plc. He is also a Director at Fina Trust Microfinance Bank Limited, one of Nigeria’s foremost microfinance institutions supporting SMEs and microcredit access.

In addition, the Ooni is the Founder and Managing Director of Gran Imperio Group, the holding company overseeing his diverse interests in real estate and construction, manufacturing, facilities management, leisure, and tourism across Nigeria.

Source: Diplomatic Times