Ile-Ife, Osun State, played host to a galaxy of African leaders, business icons and traditional rulers on Monday as former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, was formally installed as the Aare Atayeto Oodua.
The high-profile ceremony, held at the palace square in Ile-Ife, attracted prominent dignitaries including 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, among several other royal fathers and industry leaders.
Also in attendance was the former President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, alongside traditional rulers from Ghana and other invited international guests, underscoring the pan-African significance of the occasion.
Mahama arrived at the venue at about 1:30pm, making a grand entrance in a royal, automobile-powered chariot, as heavy security was deployed around the palace due to the presence of numerous high-profile personalities.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, described Mahama as a reformer and a statesman, praising his leadership qualities and contributions to governance and democratic development across Africa.
The installation was marked by cultural displays, fanfare and traditional rites befitting the historic ancient city of Ile-Ife.
Details later…
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