The Timeless Grandeur of Lagos Polo Club

The Lagos Polo Club, steeped in tradition and history, has gracefully navigated the sands of time to emerge as a venerable institution in the heart of Lagos. Born in 1904, this distinguished club has etched its legacy in the annals of Nigerian polo, capturing the essence of a bygone era while embracing the winds of change.

Conceived by British Naval Officers enamoured with the art of horse riding and racing, the Lagos Polo Club started as a cultural gem on an air strip within an old British Army Parade ground. Its appeal to colonial officials mirrored the echoes of English polo traditions. Over the decades, the club has matured into a sanctuary of tradition, hosting annual tournaments and securing its position as the oldest and most revered polo club in Nigeria.

Situated on Ribadu Road in Ikoyi, Lagos, the club’s strategic abode contributes to its distinctive allure. What sets the Lagos Polo Club apart is its widespread influence, boasting affiliated clubs such as El Amin Polo Club in Kano, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt. This
expansive presence exemplifies the club’s commitment to sharing the joy of polo across diverse landscapes.

In response to the evolving urban panorama of Ikoyi, the Lagos Polo Club Committee has embarked on an ambitious ten-year redevelopment plan. This visionary endeavour aims to metamorphose the club into a cherished destination in Lagos, catering not only to its
esteemed members and their families but also extending its embrace to guests, grooms, ponies, and the broader Lagosian community.

Under the sagacious leadership of President Adetokunbo Laoye and the distinguished guidance of luminaries like Femi Akinruntan, Francis Ogboro, and Muhammed Babangida, the club stands as a haven for both the seasoned and the contemplative. As a private members’ institution, aligned with the Nigerian Polo Association (NPA) and adhering to the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) rules, the club upholds standards in all its in-house and international polo tournaments.

In 2019, the Lagos Polo Club embarked on a momentous journey by inaugurating its Riding Academy, a noble initiative aimed at imparting the art of horse riding with a focus on polo. This endeavour is not solely about nurturing the sport but also about widening its embrace to encompass a diverse audience.

The Eden Project, a botanical transformation initiative, underscores the club’s dedication to environmental stewardship. Through meticulous landscaping and tree planting endeavours, the Lagos Polo Club seeks to create a verdant sanctuary in the heart of Ikoyi, contributing to the resilience of the climate and ecosystem.

For generations, the Lagos Polo Club has stood as more than a mere sporting institution; it has been a cherished haven for Nigeria’s wise and seasoned elites. A fusion of tradition,
sportsmanship, and fraternity, the club transcends its role as a cultural landmark to become a living testament to the enduring spirit of excellence.

The Lagos Polo Club stands as an unwavering guardian of tradition, weaving a tapestry that resonates with the elegance of the past and the promise of the future. As it continues to gracefully unfold its chapters, the club extends an invitation to all, inviting them to savour the timeless charm and distinguished legacy that defines its being.