Mahama Ooni prayers election victory as Ghana’s president links his 2023 win to blessings received from the Ooni of Ife in Ile-Ife

Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has credited prayers offered by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, with playing a significant role in his victory in the 2023 presidential election.

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President Mahama spoke in Ile-Ife on Tuesday after receiving a chieftaincy title, Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source, from the Ooni during events marking the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary.

The Ghanaian leader arrived in Nigeria through the Ibadan Airport and was received by supporters before proceeding to the Ooni’s palace, where the ceremony attracted prominent traditional rulers, political leaders, and business figures from across Africa.

Among the dignitaries present were Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, media entrepreneur Dele Momodu, the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, the Olowo of Owo, the Deji of Akure, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, and former President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Mahama recalled that after losing Ghana’s 2016 presidential election, Oba Ogunwusi invited him to Ile-Ife, prayed for him, and offered words of encouragement.

He said those prayers later proved decisive when he won the 2023 election and returned to office.

The Ghanaian president thanked the Ooni for the honour and pledged to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Ghana, noting the shared historical and cultural heritage between both countries.

He said many Ghanaians trace their ancestry to Ile-Ife, regarded as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation.

Mahama also urged African leaders to work collectively to halt the wave of military coups on the continent, warning that political instability threatens democratic progress and economic development in West Africa.

He praised Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and long-standing friendship, dedicating the chieftaincy title to him as a symbol of regional solidarity.

In his remarks, Oba Ogunwusi described Mahama as a reform-minded and peace-loving leader whose political career reflects a commitment to unity and stability in Africa.

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The Osun State Government, represented by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, also hailed Mahama as a unifying figure, saying his leadership continues to inspire cooperation among African nations.