On Friday, October 11, 2024, the renowned Ikoyi Club 1938 hosted an unforgettable event in honor of the Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, who celebrated his 81st birthday in grand style. As part of the weeklong celebrations, the prestigious club organized a thrilling table tennis championship, which culminated in an electrifying finals showcase. The event not only celebrated the revered monarch but also brought together an array of dignitaries, first-class traditional rulers, government officials, and captains of industry, all eager to witness top-notch sportsmanship in action.
The tournament saw an impressive display of skill and passion, with the finalists battling it out in front of an enthusiastic audience. The men’s singles final was a captivating showdown, where Dapo Akindiji clinched the title with a clean 4-0 sweep over Honourable Gbolahan Okuneye. Akindiji’s triumph came through an intense match that ended 11-9, 11-2, 11-7, and 11-9, earning him the well-deserved championship crown. Akindiji, ecstatic about breaking his long-standing streak of finals appearances without a victory, credited his success to rigorous training and the spiritual strength he gained through seven days of fasting. His victory speech was a testimony to perseverance, and he confidently vowed to defend his title in future tournaments.
In the women’s singles final, reigning champion Mrs. Chinwe Igwe showcased her unwavering dominance, securing a 3-0 victory over Mrs. Yowande Bamjoko. The defending champion outplayed her opponent with scores of 11-6, 11-3, and 11-9. Igwe, known for her impressive track record in the sport, attributed her victory to hard work and consistent dedication. In her victory remarks, she graciously acknowledged Bamjoko’s formidable effort, stating that her opponent had pushed her to bring her A-game, but she was far from ready to relinquish her title anytime soon.
The excitement continued in the men’s doubles event, where the team of Seyi Oki and A. Odutan triumphed over J. Diya and O. Odewale in a nail-biting match that ended 3-2, with scores of 11-8, 6-11, 11-8, 17-19, and 11-9. It was a hard-fought victory that had the crowd on the edge of their seats, with each team giving their all in a fiercely contested battle.
In other notable achievements, Sunday Ezechi and Gbenga Omotoso clinched first and second places in the championship cadre, while in the veterans’ event, Seyi Oki once again claimed the top spot, followed closely by Oluwole Soetan. In the septuagenarian event, Ola Azeez emerged victorious, with Taiwo Obileye finishing in second place.
As the tournament drew to a close, the Alake of Egbaland, who has been a proud member of Ikoyi Club for over 40 years, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the honor bestowed upon him. He commended the club for the exceptional organization and the continuous transformation of its facilities. His Royal Majesty expressed how deeply moved he was by the grand reception and the championship held in his name. He urged members to always hold the club’s interest at heart, emphasizing the importance of community and unity.
Chairman of the Table Tennis Section, Dare Olude, was equally delighted with the success of the tournament. In his address, he thanked the club’s members for their unwavering support, which made the event a resounding success. Reflecting on his tenure as the chairman, Olude announced that this would be the final Alake Table Tennis Tournament under his leadership. He expressed optimism that his successor, who will take the reins in 2025, would introduce fresh innovations to elevate the tournament even further.
Beyond the competition, the winners were celebrated with trophies and valuable gift items, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already memorable event.
The Ikoyi Club 1938’s table tennis championship in honor of the Alake of Egbaland was more than just a tournament; it was a celebration of community, perseverance, and excellence. The event brought together individuals from all walks of life, united by a shared love for the game and deep respect for one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional rulers.
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