The ancient city of Ile-Ife, Source of humanity and spiritual nucleus of the Yoruba race, stood once again at the centre of African destiny on Monday, 15th December, 2025 as the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama was installed as the Aare Atayeto Oodua of the source in continuation of the celebration of the10th Coronation Anniversary of the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.

Delivering the welcome address of the historic gathering, Chairman of Axxess Holdings, Mr. John Olajide, framed the occasion as more than a ceremony describing it as a strategic moment in Africa’s collective journey.

Mr Olajide extolled President John Dramani Mahama as a leader of vision, integrity and Pan-African conviction, whose governance philosophy reflects collaboration beyond borders. He emphasized that Nigeria and Ghana are not merely neighbours but brothers tied by blood, culture, history and destiny, tracing the Gaa people and Yoruba ancestry back to Ile-Ife as their spiritual source.

According to him, progress in Ghana strengthens Nigeria and progress in Nigeria strengthens Africa. He called for sustained investment, regional cooperation, youth-focused job creation and institutional partnerships, stressing that Africa’s youthful population demands action beyond rhetoric.

“United we stand, divided we fall,” Olajide declared, urging African leaders, investors and traditional institutions to deepen bilateral and continental alliances.

He concluded by congratulating President Mahama and offering prayers for divine wisdom as he continues to serve Ghana and Africa at large.

In his own speech, the Co Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife described the visit of the Ghanaian leader as a “homecoming”, affirming that colonial boundaries never divided Africans. He noted the deep ancestral links between the Yoruba of Nigeria and the Gaa-Adangbe people of Ghana, pointing to shared origins, cultural similarities and linguistic affinities rooted in Ile-Ife.

The monarch recalled that Ghana was the first country he officially visited after ascending the throne, underscoring the long-standing spiritual and diplomatic bond between Ile-Ife and Accra. He praised President Mahama as a reformer and visionary leader, whose leadership and economic reforms have left visible footprints in Ghana and beyond.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, welcomed President Mahama to Ile-Ife, describing the city as the cradle of the Yoruba race and a spiritual compass for Africans worldwide.

Prince Adewusi congratulated the Ghanaian President on his conferment, noting that the title reflects his commitment to peace, democracy and regional diplomacy, particularly his mediation roles within ECOWAS and the Sahel region at a time of heightened insecurity. He urged President Mahama to intervene in ongoing crises between Burkina Faso and Nigeria as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is his brother.

He also commended the Ooni of Ife for recognising leaders who embody unity and peace, while praying for continued harmony between Nigeria and Ghana.

The deputy governor further felicitated with the Ooni on his 10th coronation anniversary, describing the monarch’s reign as transformational.

In his deeply emotional acceptance speech, President John Dramani Mahama paid glowing tribute to the Ooni of Ife, describing him as a brother whose warmth and openness forged a “magical relationship” between them.

He recalled how the Ooni, shortly after his enthronement, visited Ghana to reconnect with the Yoruba communities there, and how their bond had endured since Mahama’s first term as President.

The Ghanaian leader expressed profound gratitude to dignitaries present, including Aliko Dangote, Tunde Ayeni, Dele Momodu, Ghanaian and Yoruba chiefs, traditional rulers, ministers, diplomats and members of his delegation.

President Mahama stressed that he did not take the chieftaincy title lightly, stating that he received it on behalf of the entire people of Ghana, as a symbol of deeper bilateral relations between the two nations and a reaffirmation of shared ancestry. He also dedicated the honour to his stepmother.

In a defining moment of the ceremony, President Mahama described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an elder brother, mentor and source of inspiration, noting that their friendship had remained unbroken even in difficult times.

He formally dedicated the chieftaincy title to President Tinubu, using the historic occasion to appreciate his leadership and unwavering support.

The ceremony resonated as a powerful reminder that Africa’s future lies in unity, shared heritage and purposeful collaboration. As drums rolled and traditions spoke, history was not just remembered, it was renewed.

The epoch-making event drew an array of distinguished personalities, including the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima (represented); former President of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi; the Executive Governor of Osun State (represented); senators, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Karl Toriola, members of the House of Representatives, royal fathers, captains of industry, investors and delegations from Ghana and across Africa.

The atmosphere reflected unity, reform and Pan-African brotherhood, as traditional installation rites symbolised the enduring relevance of indigenous institutions in modern governance and diplomacy.