ILE-IFE, the ancient cradle of the Yoruba race, came alive on Monday as eminent personalities from across Africa converged on Osun State for the installation of Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, as the Aare Atayeto Oodua.
News Point Nigeria reports that the historic chieftaincy ceremony, held at the palace square in Ile-Ife, drew an impressive array of political leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industry and foreign dignitaries, underscoring the cultural and diplomatic significance of the event.
Among the high-profile guests were Africa’s richest man and business mogul, Aliko Dangote; the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero; the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Haastrup; and the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Oloyede Esuwoye, alongside several other revered royal fathers from different parts of the country.
The ceremony also attracted international royalty and statesmen, including former President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, as well as traditional rulers from Ghana and other invited guests from across the African continent.
Mahama arrived at the palace around 1:30 pm, making a grand entrance in a royal, automobile-powered chariot, to the admiration of the crowd that had gathered hours earlier to witness the historic occasion. The atmosphere was festive, marked by traditional music, cultural displays and elaborate pageantry befitting the ancient city.
Given the presence of numerous high-ranking dignitaries, heavy security was deployed around the venue and adjoining areas to ensure a hitch-free ceremony.
Speaking during the installation, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, extolled Mahama’s leadership qualities, describing him as a reformer and a statesman whose contributions to governance and democratic development in Africa had earned him the honour.
The monarch noted that the title of Aare Atayeto Oodua was reserved for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to peace, unity, good governance and the advancement of African values.
According to the Ooni, Mahama’s investiture further strengthens the historic and cultural ties between the Yoruba people and the rest of Africa, particularly Ghana.
The event provided an opportunity for informal diplomatic engagement, as political leaders, traditional rulers and business figures interacted, reinforcing cultural bonds and pan-African solidarity.
Residents of Ile-Ife and visitors alike described the occasion as historic, noting that the convergence of African leaders and traditional institutions reaffirmed the enduring relevance of culture and tradition in modern governance.
