Ikoyi Club celebrate Alake @ 81 with table tennis championship

The Table Tennis Section of leading socio cultural recreation Club in the country, Ikoyi Club 1938 on Friday, October, 11,2024 staged the finals of a weeklong table tennis championship put together as part of activities marking the 81st birthday of Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo
The well attended table tennis championship which attracted many important personalities including first class traditional rulers, top government officials and captains of industries saw the finalists displaying good table tennis artistry to the delight of the audience .
In the men’s Singles/ Premiership finals, Dapo Akindiji, recorded a 4-0 victory of 11-9, 11-2, 11-7 and 11-9 over Honourable Gbolahan Okuneye to be crowned champion of the tournament.
In the women’s singles final, defending champion, Mrs. Chinwe Igwe recorded a 3-0 victory of 11-6, 11-3 and 11-9 over Mrs. Yowande Bamjoko to emerge champion of the women’s category.
In the Men Doubles event, Seyi Oki and A. Odutan defeated J. Diya and O. Odewale by 3-2 of 11-8, 6-11,11-8, 17-19 and 11-9 to win the title.
Also Sunday Ezechi and Gbenga Omotoso came first and second respectively in the championship cadre while in the veterans event, Seyi Oki came first followed by Oluwole Soetan just as Ola Azeez took the first position in the Septuagenarian event with Taiwo Obileye coming second.

Speaking on his victory, men’s singles champion, Dapo Akindiji, expressed happiness that he was able to break the jinx of playing in many finals without a win.
He explained that the rigorous training he underwent prior to the finals coupled with seven days of fasting saw him through his opponent whom he described as a very good player even as he expressed confidence that he has what it takes to defend the title next year.
In her remarks, women’s champion, Mrs. Chinwe Igwe who has won many titles in the game attributed her victory to hard work and dedication.
Mrs. Igwe while acknowledging that her opponent gave her a run for her money said that she’s not yet ready to give up her title.
In his remark at the occasion, the Alake of Egbaland commended the management of the club for celebrating him as well as the wonderful transformation they’re carrying out in the club; saying that he was overwhelmed by the reception and the championship.
The Alake who joined the club more than 40 years ago charged members to always have the interest of the club at heart .
Chairman of the Table Tennis Section, Dare Olude expressed happiness with the successful hosting of the tournament just as he commended all members of the club for their support .
Olude who announced that this will be the last Alake table tennis tournament to be organised under his leadership of the section was however optimistic that whoever will take over from him in 2025 will introduce more innovations that will make the tournament bigger.
Apart from trophies, winners in different categories went home with gift items.