Re-engage with Sahel Nations, President Mahama Urges West African Leaders

•As Ooni installs Ghanaian President as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The President of Ghana, Dr. John Mahama, has called on West African leaders to re-engage with the Sahel countries.

President Mahama made the call while the chieftaincy title of Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source was conferred on him by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Monday.

According to him, ‘’I believe there should not be chaos because God put us in this region together for a purpose.

“I believe that instead of ostracising them, we must build a bridge between ECOWAS and our brothers in the Sahel, because our destinies are tied together, and continue to encourage them to come back into the fold.

“As long as I am president, I will continue to bring these two countries together, indeed historically we are the same people, like the Ooni said we have people in Ghana that traced their origin to Ile-Ife.

“As the governor and I acknowledged him, our sub-regions are facing challenges, we all know what is happening in the Sahel states, 3 of our members have decided to break away and form the AES.

“I want to thank President Tinubu for the friendship that we share. I have known him for many years and he had been like an elder brother to me and he has been a source of inspiration. On this occasion I want to thank him and dedicate this chieftaincy to him.”

Speaking while installing the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Mahama as the Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, described President Mahama, as a symbol of African unity, cultural continuity and economic reform.

The monarch noted that the African continent shares common roots beyond modern political boundaries.

According to the monarch, Mahama’s relationship with Ile-Ife and the palace predates his current recognition, recalling that the Ghanaian leader had maintained close ties with the palace.

Ooni Ogunwusi said that there are no real boundaries between Nigeria and Ghana, and indeed across Africa, stressing the deep cultural and historical connections that bind Africans together.

He described Ile-Ife as Mahama’s home, recalling how the president continued to identify with the city, often expressing a deep interest in the history and heritage of Ife.

“This palace is not new to you. You have been here before, and throughout my journey to becoming the Ooni of Ife, you have been part of that journey. You have grown with us in our midst.

“To the glory of God, today you are truly a reformer. You achieved what many thought was impossible. Immediately you assumed office for a second term, the economy of Ghana experienced a remarkable turnaround. We are very proud of you,” the Ooni said.

The Ooni commended Mahama’s economic acumen, describing him as a leader with a special “economic touch,” and noted that the impact of his leadership in Ghana is already resonating across the African continent and the global Black race.

On his part, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke commended President Mahama for his outstanding contributions to peace, unity and regional stability across Africa and the global community.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, described Mahama’s role in mediating between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and countries in the Sahel region as a landmark intervention at a critical time when tensions in the sub-region have heightened and many stakeholders are “beating the drums of war.”

“President Mahama is a strong advocate of peace and unity, not only within West Africa but across the world. His commitment to diplomacy, dialogue and coexistence has earned him respect beyond national and continental boundaries.

“Mahama is truly a global peace ambassador. I warmly congratulate you on this installation and recognition for your unwavering commitment to peace and unity,” Adeleke said.