It was an atmosphere of royalty, celebration, and top-class sporting display at the Ikoyi Club 1938 as the third edition of the annual Alake of Egbaland Birthday Table Tennis Championship came to a grand close on Friday, October 10, 2025.
The weeklong tournament, which served off on October 6, attracted an impressive lineup of dignitaries — including traditional rulers, captains of industry, and lovers of the game — all gathered to honour His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, on his birthday.
Read Also: Elu Targets Maximum Points As Abia Warriors Host El-Kanemi In NPFL Clash
The finals featured entertaining royal exhibition matches, with the Olu of Orile-Imo, Oba Oluwambe Reuben Sogaolu, and the Olowu of Owu, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola, showcasing their skills. The tournament’s sponsor, Chief Taiwo Adeoluwa, also thrilled spectators in an exhibition bout against former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel.
Speaking during the grand finale, Chief Adeoluwa said the competition was conceived to honour the Alake, whom he described as a symbol of service, leadership, and commitment to humanity.
“The Alake is not only a revered monarch but also a life patron of Ikoyi Club. Despite his demanding royal duties, he continues to identify with the club, and this tournament is our way of celebrating his legacy and contributions to Egbaland and beyond,” Adeoluwa stated.
Representing the Club Chairman, Vice Chairman Bolaji Martins commended the sponsor for sustaining the championship, describing it as a fitting tribute to a monarch who embodies peace and progress.
Similarly, Chairman of the Table Tennis Section, Folunsho Ajilore, noted that the tournament goes beyond sports, emphasizing that it celebrates the Alake’s enduring legacy of leadership and cultural preservation.
“The reign of the Alake has been marked by peace, growth, and unity in Egbaland. This championship reflects the values he stands for — excellence, discipline, and service,” Ajilore said.
In his goodwill message, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, hailed the initiative as a model for sports development in Nigeria, urging other clubs to emulate Ikoyi Club’s efforts in promoting fitness and recreation among their members.
The finals produced thrilling contests, with Tunde Badare emerging champion in the men’s singles after defeating his opponent 4-2 (11-6, 11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 8-11, 11-5), while Mrs. Chinwe Igwe claimed the women’s singles title with a convincing 3-0 (11-8, 11-9, 11-8) win over Mrs. Ayinwade Banjoko.
Winners across various categories — including Doubles, Premiership, Championship, Veterans 60+, and Septuagenarian 70+ — received trophies, cash prizes, and in the case of the singles champions, brand-new 2025 Hiphones.
The highlight of the closing ceremony was the cutting of the Alake’s birthday cake, witnessed by eminent personalities and royal fathers such as the Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, and other high chiefs of Egbaland.
The championship, proudly sponsored by Chief Taiwo and Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Adeoluwa, continues to strengthen the bond between tradition, recreation, and community development — reaffirming that sport, indeed, unites all
