In a striking display of cultural unity across West Africa, President John Dramani Mahama has been formally installed as “Rare Atayeto Oodua” by His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the revered Ooni of Ife. The traditional ceremony, held in the ancient cradle of Yoruba civilization in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, drew widespread attention for its rarity and significance.
Mr. Shadrach Baah-Naa Kundi, Director of Operations for Research at the African Centre for International Affairs, offered his insights during an exclusive interview on Ahotor FM with host Citizen Kofi Owusu. Baah-Naa Kundi emphasized the extraordinary nature of the honour, noting that such bestowals from the Ooni are not commonplace. “The king doesn’t normally do that,” he explained, highlighting the selectivity of the gesture.
What makes this installation particularly noteworthy, according to Baah-Naa Kundi, is President Mahama’s exemplary conduct throughout his political journey. “Looking at how President Mahama carries himself ever since he became vice president and then president, when we honor him that way, it is a reflection of his good works he has showcased for the previous years and now, how he is carrying himself across West Africa,” Baah-Naa Kundi stated. He pointed to Mahama’s statesmanlike demeanour, diplomatic finesse, and commitment to regional stability as key factors earning him this prestigious title, which translates to a guardian or protector figure in Yoruba tradition.
Baah-Naa Kundi also underscored the deep-rooted historical ties between Ghana and Nigeria, framing the event as a continuation of longstanding bilateral relations “Even looking at the communication between Ghana and Nigeria is not today,” he remarked, dismissing any notion that this was a sudden development. He elaborated on the fluid cross-border interactions that define West African kinship: “We have neighbors like Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Burkina Faso, but Ghanaians go to Nigeria, and Nigerians come to Ghana. That’s the nature of our relationship strong, enduring, and familial.”
This royal endorsement comes at a pivotal time for President Mahama, who has been actively championing economic integration, trade partnerships, and cultural exchanges within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The installation not only celebrates his personal achievements but also symbolizes the unbreakable bonds fostering peace and progress across the sub-region. As Baah-Naa Kundi put it, such honours serve as a powerful affirmation of leadership that transcends national borders.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com