Ooni of Ife confers chieftaincy title on Ghanaian President Mahama
Ooni of Ife confers chieftaincy title on Ghanaian President Mahama
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Monday conferred a chieftaincy title on the President of Ghana, John Mahama.
Mahama was installed as “Atayeto of Oodua of the Source” by Oba Adeyeye in a colourful ceremony as part of the activities marking his 10th coronation anniversary in Ile‑Ife.
In his remarks, the Ooni said that the chieftaincy was given to Mahama because of his efforts in reforming Ghana’s economy and his passion in the development of Africa as a whole.
Oba Ogunwusi, who described Mahama as a friend and brother, said that he was one of the people who supported him while vying for the Ooni stool.
According to the Ooni, 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.
The Ooni further described Ile‑Ife as Mahama’s home, recalling how the President continued to identify with the town.
“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. You are a leader of great refinement, vision and purpose. I am deeply grateful and proud of you,” he said.
The Ooni commended Mahama’s economic acumen, describing him as a leader with a special economic touch.
The traditional ruler noted that the impact of Mahama’s leadership in Ghana was already resonating across the African continent and the global Black diaspora.
“I want to commend you for turning around the economy of Ghana since assuming office as President,” he said.
“I want to urge you to sustain the ongoing transformation in Ghana and let it spread to the African continent.”
Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun commended Mahama for his outstanding contributions to peace, unity and regional stability across Africa and the global community.
Represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, Adeleke said that Mahama’s role in mediating between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and countries in the Sahel region was commendable.
“Mahama’s role in mediating between ECOWAS and Sahel countries stands out 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”, he said.
Adeleke commended Mahama for his consistent presence on the global stage, where he has continued to advocate for a more united and peaceful world order.
“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,” he said.
Adeleke noted that Mahama’s installation as Aare Atayato Oodua of the Source was well deserved, stressing that the honour reflects his lifelong dedication to peace‑building and humanitarian ideals.
“Mahama is truly a global peace ambassador. I warmly congratulate you on this installation and recognition for your unwavering commitment to peace and unity,” he said.
In response, President Mahama appreciated the Ooni for deeming it fit to confer a chieftaincy title on him.
He thanked the Ooni for his love and for always standing by his side.
Mahama said that when he lost his re‑election in 2016, the Ooni invited him to Ile‑Ife, showed him secret places in the palace and prayed that he would be re‑elected.
“And when I re‑contested in 2024, I won and am now President of Ghana.
“The people of Nigeria and Ghana are family, and I am happy to receive this chieftaincy title,” he added.
Mahama, who noted that he had spent part of his life in Lagos, Offa in Kwara and Kano, said that Nigeria and Ghana are brothers.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as a brother and mentor.
“I want to appreciate President Tinubu for his love for me and Ghana. I
” I want to thank President Tinubu for the friendship we share. I have known him for many years, and he has been like an elder brother to me.
“He has been a source of inspiration; on this occasion I want to thank him and dedicate this chieftaincy to him.
“As long as I remain President of Ghana, I will work to bring the two countries together and bridge the gap between them and ECOWAS.”
Mahama also said that leaders in West African countries should build a bridge between ECOWAS and the Sahel nations.
“Our destinies are tied together, and we must continue to encourage them to return to the fold,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony was witnessed by business mogul Aliko Dangote, former President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi, traditional rulers, among others.
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NPF committed to community policing, says IGP Egbetokun
NPF committed to community policing, says IGP Egbetokun
The Inspector General of Police (I-GP), Dr Kayode Egbetokun, has assured that the police remained committed to community policing to ensure that criminals were drastically reduced in the country.
The I-GP, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector of Police ( AIG) Zone 17, Dr Ajani Musibau, stated this at the Police Community Relations Committee ( PCRC) National Leadership Training and Conference on Thursday in Akure.
The theme of the conference is: “Inclusivity and Diversity: the New Leadership Paradigm.”
He said that security could not be achieved by only the police, but with the support from the community.
The I-GP stated that security was a joint work and responsibility of all, commending the current leadership of the Nigeria Police for a paradigm shift towards modern policing.
Also, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Mr Adebowale Lawal, said that bandits could not infiltrate the state due to community policing strategy embraced by the command.
He explained that bandits would have infiltrated the state through Kogi and Edo, but intelligence reports from members of PCRC had been a great help to the police command.
According to him, the support and logistics received from the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun and Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa had also motivated police personnel to work earnestly.
He said that effective community policing was a sure way to curb activities of criminals, and implored members of the public not to relent in their efforts to provide police and other security agencies with useful information.
Lawal also commended other conventional security agencies, forest guards and vigilantes for their support to the police in fighting bandits
In his remarks, the National Chairman of PCRC, Alhaji Ibrahim Mogaji said that the conference was to strengthen leaders of PCRC in the South-West zone and encourage them to redouble their efforts and support in fighting crimes.
According to Mogaji, the occasion also enabled the association to appreciate Gov. Aiyedatiwa, I-GP, the AIG Zone 17 and the state Commissioner of Police.
He advised the participants to moblise other members of PCRC and orientate them on their roles to continue to fight crime in the country.
The PCRC national chairman asked Nigerians to respect the dignity of police and to be civil when interacting with them.
Mogaji said that the leadership training would be replicated in other geo-political zones of the country.
Also, Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Security, Mr Gbenga Atiba, commended the PCRC , AIG Zone 17, and the Commissioner of Police for their unrelenting efforts to guarantee peace across the state.
Aiyedatiwa promised that the state government would give PCRC attention and continue to support police and other security agencies with appropriate logistics that would make policing more effective.
A guest lecturer, Comrade Yinka Folarin asked members of the public to give respect and dignity to members of the police, saying that they also had rights that must be respected.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PCRC honoured Gov. Aiyedatiwa, AIG Zone 17 and the Commissioner of Police with awards. (NAN)
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Increase salary, welfare packages for Police other security personnel – FG told
Increase salary, welfare packages for Police other security personnel – FG told
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for improved welfare packages for armed forces personnel and all members of the security and intelligence community to aid their effectiveness and efficiency.
National Chairman of PDP, Tanimu Turaki, made the call in a statement in Abuja on Thursday to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
Turaki also urged the Federal Government to adequately fund security agencies to effectively neutralise those he described as agents of insecurity, and restore peace to the country.
He expressed PDP’s condolences to the families of members of the armed forces who died in active service while executing their mandate of protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“On a day like this, we acknowledge that they paid the supreme price for the continuous existence of our country.
“We advise all actors, whether state or non-state, not to engage in actions capable of destabilising the country.
“In honour of those who have died to keep our country safe, we pray that their deaths may not be in vain and their labours not forgotten,” Turaki said.(NAN)
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Rivers Lawmakers fail to resume plenary amid ongoing impeachment proceedings against Gov Fubara
Rivers Lawmakers fail to resume plenary amid ongoing impeachment proceedings against Gov Fubara
The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, did not reconvene for plenary on Thursday, a week after adjourning its last session.
During its first sitting of 2026, held last Thursday, the House had initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, over alleged gross misconduct. The charges reportedly included the demolition of the state assembly complex and unauthorized spending, among other allegations. That session was adjourned to January 15, 2026.
However, as of noon on Thursday, a visit to the assembly—currently holding sittings at its conference hall along Aba Road—showed no indication that the House would resume.
No official reason has been provided for the delay, and a new date for resumption has not been announced.
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