President John Mahama of Ghana has revealed how prayers offered for him by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, inside his palace led to his eventual re-election in 2024.
Mahama disclosed this on Monday during his installation as Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source at Afewonro Park, Enuwa Square, Ile-Ife. He recounted his loss in the 2016 presidential election, noting that many people distanced themselves from him after he lost power, but that Oba Ogunwusi remained supportive despite his position in the opposition.
According to him, the Ooni, who had earlier visited him while he was president, later invited him to the palace in Ile-Ife after his electoral defeat and continued to ask after him through his sister.
“Most people are fair-weather friends. After I lost, some no longer considered me important. But he kept asking when I would come to visit him. I was impressed because at that time I was in the opposition, yet his insistence moved me,” Mahama said.
He explained that during the visit, the Ooni warmly received him and later took him to the secret corners of the palace, where prayers were offered for him, adding that “the word that came from the secret place was that I should go, that I would get my seat back. Truly, in 2024, I was re-elected as president.”
In his remarks, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, described Mahama’s installation as well deserved, stressing that the honour reflects his lifelong dedication to peace-building and humanitarian ideals.
Earlier, the Ooni described Mahama as a symbol of African unity who has championed economic transformation.
He added that the impact of Mahama’s leadership in Ghana is already resonating across the African continent and the global Black race.
Dignitaries at the event included Africa’s leading business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; a former President of Botswana; Dele Momodu; the Iyalaje of Oodua, Toyin Kolade; Prophetess Esther Ajayi; the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Haastrup; the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi; and the Timi of Ede, among others.
