Alake of Egbaland @ 82 birthday table tennis championship ends at Ikoyi Club 1938
It was the gathering of royalty, important personalities, captains of industries and lovers of the ping pong game as the third edition of the annual Alake of Egbaland birthday table tennis championship was rounded up Friday, October, 10, 2025 at the prestigious Ikoyi Club 1938.
The finals of the weeklong competition which served off on Monday, October, 6 at the table tennis section of the club, witnessed royal exhibition matches involving the Olu of Orile – Imo, Oba Oluwambe Reuben Sogaolu and Olowu of Owu, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola while the sponsor of the tournament, Chief Taiwo Adeoluwa, played against the former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel in another exhibition bout.
Speaking at the well attended event, Sponsor of the tournament, Chief Taiwo Adeoluwa said he decided to organize the competition as a mark of respect to the revered traditional ruler who is a life patron of the club.
” The Alake is a highly respected traditional ruler who since his ascension to the throne of his forefathers more than two decades ago has contributed immensely in the development of Egbaland and this tournament is in recognition of his service to humanity and mankind.
“You should also remember that the Alake is a life patron of the club and not minding his tight schedule as a traditional ruler, he still finds time to identify with the club and he deserved to be honoured on his birthday”, he said
Chairman of the club, Akinwumi Akintola who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Bolaji Martins commended the sponsor for the annual championship; saying that the club is proud of him.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Table Tennis section of the club, Folunsho Ajilore said that the tournament is not only to celebrate the birthday of Akake of Egbaland but that it’s a celebration of legacy, leadership and service which the Monarch represents.
According to him, the reign of Akake has brought peace, growth and the upholding of the cultural identity of Egbaland noting that there’s no better way to celebrate him than through the tournament
The table tennis section chairman also expressed happiness with the spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by all the players, promising that the section will continue to hold similar championships in order to enable members compete in conducive atmosphere as well as test their skills in the ping pong game.
In his remarks, Director General of National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade commended the club for honouring the Alake with the tournament, noting that the Commission is proud with what Ikoyi Club is doing in sports development.
He challenged similar clubs in the country to emulate Ikoyi Club in providing conducive environment where their members can recreate, exercise themselves and keep fit.
Meanwhile at the end of the tournament, Tunde Badare recorded a 4-2 victory of 11-6, 11-9, 11-9, 7-11, 8-11 and 11-5 over Keyinde Lawal to be crowned winner of the men’s singles event while Mrs. Chinwe Igwe recorded a 3-0 victory of 11-8, 11-9, 11-8 against Mrs. Ayinwade Banjoko to win the women’s singles event
There were also winners in the Doubles, Premiership, Championship, Veteran Singles 60+ and Septua veteran 70+ amongst others.
Highlight of the finals was the cutting of the birthday cake of the Alake, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedokun Gbadebo witnessed by high chiefs of Egbaland including the Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi.
Winners of the various categories received trophies and cash prices while winners of the men and women singles received trophies, cash prices and 2025 Hiphones.
The tournament was sponsored by Chief Taiwo and Chief Mrs. Folashade Adeoluwa, Agbo Akin and Seriki Iya Mofin of Egbaland.
