Ghana’s President, John Mahama has dedicated his newly conferred chieftaincy title, Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source, bestowed by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, to President Bola Tinubu.
President Mahama made the dedication in Ile-Ife, Osun State, South-West Nigeria on Monday while speaking at his installation as a traditional chief of the Ife Kingdom.
He explained that he took a special liking to President Tinubu owing to his support and belief in him even when he lost his re-election bid and was in the opposition.
President Mahama stated that President Tinubu had always been a friend, brother and a great source of inspiration, a man from whom he derived so many life lessons.
He said; “I want to thank President Tinubu for the friendship that we share. I’ve known him for many years. He’s been like an elder brother to me, and he’s been a source of inspiration.
“Even when things were hard and I was in opposition, he never broke his friendship with me, and so on this occasion, I want to thank him and also dedicate this conferment of chieftaincy to him.”
President Mahama who noted the historic bond between the people of Ghana and Nigeria, said he would work to strengthen it and extend it far across the sub-region.
He said that despite the challenges in the sahel, leaders within the sub-region must do what they can to ensure unity, peace and stability among its nation states.
“Our sub-region is facing challenges. We all know what is happening in the Sahel, three of our members have decided to break away and form AES. I believe that it shouldn’t deter us, because God has put us together in the sub-region for a purpose.
“We must continue to build bridges with our brothers in the AES countries and continue to encourage them to come back into the fold,” he said.
The Host Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in his remarks, commended President Mahama for his diplomatic acumen and democratic values, stressing that his recognition for the title of Aare Atayeto Oodua was timely and well deserved.
Adeleke urged President Mahama to continue in his efforts to build bridges and restore stability through pragmatic diplomacy in the sub-region and across the continent.
“President Mahama is truly a global peace ambassador. His recognition today is a much needed encouragement to push further to save Africa especially West Africa from imminent implosion,” the Governor said.
Earlier in his opening speech, Oba (Monarch) Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said President Mahama was the first leader he visited after his coronation, recalling the warmth with which the President received him.
Oba Ogunwusi said the bonds of harmony between Ghana and Nigeria is reflective of the communal spirit of Africa, insisting that artificially created boundaries should not limit or divide the African people.
“The Western world created artificial boundaries. But in the true sense of communality, boundaries that divide should not exist between us. We are one people.
“Truth be told, the Gaa people of Ghana trace their origin to Ile-Ife in Agaako compound. In Ghana they say Akwaaba to welcome people, in Yorubaland, we say Ekaaabo. This means we all the same. We are one big family. We must always work together” the monarch said.
The event, which drew many important dignitaries from across the country and the world, was part of activities marking the 10th Coronation Anniversary of Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.
Oyenike Oyeniyi