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As Ooni of Ife Confers Chieftaincy Title on Ghanaian President
- Safiu Kehinde
Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama, has compared Nigeria-Ghana’s relationship to that of twins from the same mother as he harped on the historic bond between the two countries.
Mahama stated this after being conferred a chieftaincy title by prominent Yoruba monarch, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Ooni of Ife had on Monday conferred the Ghanaian President with the title of the Aaare Atayeto Oodua of the Source which in English meaning a leader who reorganizes the global space for humanity.
While delivering his acceptance speech at the event held at the Ooni Palace in Ile-Ife, Mahama harped on the historic bond between Nigeria and Ghana, stressing that God brought both countries together.
The President on a lighter note, however held that the shared success of both countries does not extend to the age-long competition on football and jollof rice debate.
“There is a historic bond between the people of Ghana and the people of Nigeria. When Nigeria prospers, Ghana prospers.
“When Ghana prospers, Nigeria prosers. God brought two of us together. We are like twins from the same mother- except when we are playing football and cooking jollof.” He said.
Mahama reflected on his relationship with Nigeria as he recounted growing up with her Nigerian late stepmother during his father’s exile in the country.
He recounted living in Lagos, Offa in Kwara State, and Kano.
While dedicating the chieftaincy title to Ghanaians and his late stepmother, the President pledged to strengthen the bond between both countries.
“But I want to say this Chieftaincy title, I receive it on behalf of all the people of Ghana. It will further cement the relationship between us.
“And as Ooni said, my stepmother, of blessed memory, Hajia Husrat Balogun, I receive this chieftaincy title on her behalf.
“At a point in time when my father had to come into exile, I just finished university, and it was decided that one of us should come and stay with him.
“And so, I was dispatched to come and keep him company. For several years, I lived in Nigeria. I was in Lagos, Offa, and Kano with a late brother Sharaf Balogun.
“I was received very warmly like family. You couldn’t tell that I was not originally born here. Almost everybody in Offa knew me. I used to go the different relatives’ houses.
“Whenever I go and food is ready, I will sit and eat Amala or Eba and Egusi. I believe that created the bond that I shared with the country of Nigeria.
“I have an empathy with this country, and I believe that as long as I’m President, I’m going to continue to work to bring our people living closer together.” He said.
The event was attended delegates from Ghana as well as prominent Nigerians led by billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote.