His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, has installed President John Dramani Mahama as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source.

President Mahama earned the prestigious Yoruba chieftaincy title, Aare Atayeto Oodua, to wit, ‘A President who reorganises the global space for humanity,’ for his exceptional leadership and advocacy for global cooperation.

The installation ceremony was held in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, on Monday, December 15. The event featured traditional displays and decorations as part of the celebrations.

Also, chiefs, dignitaries, and members of the Yoruba community gathered to witness the historic occasion. The Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source title is meant to strengthen cultural and diplomatic ties between Ghana and Nigeria.

In October 2015, the Offa Kingdom in Kwara State conferred the title Aare Atolase of Offa on President Mahama. President Mahama has repeatedly emphasized the need for united efforts to address pressing global issues such as climate change and economic inequality.

In July this year, President John Dramani Mahama shared exciting developments following his efforts to resolve tensions between the Sahel countries and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional bloc.

Addressing journalists on Friday, July 18, he disclosed that the three countries—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—together with ECOWAS, have expressed willingness to rebuild their relationship.

“We held an ECOWAS meeting barely three weeks ago, and happily, the whole mood has changed, and there is now an appetite for rapprochement between ECOWAS and the three countries,” the president said.

In January 2025, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formally broke away from the community due to diplomatic tensions after military takeovers and economic and social failures by past governments. The military juntas of these countries are led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, General Assimi Goïta, and General Abdourahmane Tchiani, respectively.

The trio accused ECOWAS of failing to safeguard member states and deviating from its founding principles and Pan-African spirit. In response, ECOWAS revealed that it did not receive formal notice before their withdrawal; therefore, it called for dialogue to address their concerns.

"The ECOWAS Commission remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves," it added.

President John Dramani Mahama extended invitations to the military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to participate in the official launch of ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary celebrations, which took place in Accra on April 22.

The invitation to the Sahelian states was part of Ghana’s broader efforts to rebuild relations and enhance cooperation for a stable and united West African region.

International Relations Analyst Dr. Yaw Gebe endorsed President John Dramani Mahama’s decision, describing the gesture as a positive step toward regional reconciliation.

He, however, advised ECOWAS to critically reflect on the underlying reasons behind the exit of the Sahel nations and emphasized the need for the bloc to adopt a more inclusive and problem-solving approach going forward.

“My prayer and longing is that whatever the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, or President John Mahama are doing, they should be conscious of the problems or challenges these countries are facing. ECOWAS must be willing and ready to tackle those problems collectively. And that is a major shortcoming on the part of ECOWAS,” he said.

Despite the formal withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS on January 29, citizens from these countries will still be able to use their national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo for travel within the region.

ECOWAS has assured that, in the interest of regional cooperation and to prevent unnecessary disruptions, all relevant authorities within and outside the bloc’s member states should continue to recognize these travel documents until further notice.

Additionally, trade and economic activities involving these three nations will not face immediate restrictions. Goods and services from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will continue to receive the same treatment under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.

Citizens from the affected countries will also retain their right to visa-free movement, residence, and establishment across ECOWAS states, ensuring that travel and cross-border activities remain unhindered.

Furthermore, officials from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger working within ECOWAS will be given full support and cooperation in carrying out their assignments.

These measures will remain in place as ECOWAS leaders work on defining the future relationship between the bloc and the three nations. A special structure has been put in place to facilitate discussions on the next steps.

The regional body emphasized that these transitional arrangements aim to maintain stability, minimize confusion, and support the people and businesses affected by the withdrawal.