It has been a year since His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III ascended the throne as the Soun of Ogbomoso. Oba Olaoye was installed on September 8, 2023, by the Areago of Ogbomosoland, High Chief Samuel Sobalaje Otolorin, and his team of kingmakers at the revered Abata Section of the Palace, following the approval of his nomination by the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on September 2.
The first anniversary of his installation will be marked with a special event rather than elaborate celebrations. The highlight will be the Orumogege Football Competition, which begins on the anniversary date. This tournament aims to engage the youth and scout for football talent within Ogbomoso.
Organized by the Ogbomoso Community Youth Forum (OCYF), a prominent youth organization led by the monarch’s Director of Media and Community Relations Officer, Rev’d Peter Olaleye, the competition will feature 32 teams from the local governments in the Ogbomoso zone. The opening matches will see Awoye United FC from Ogbomoso South face off against Iresapa FC from Surulere local government.
The statement notes that the Soun will attend the opening ceremony, accompanied by his chiefs, prominent citizens, and other well-wishers.
The competition will follow a knockout format, with the first round, known as the Round of 32, taking place from September 8 to 21. The subsequent Round of 16 will occur between September 22 and 28, followed by the quarterfinals from September 29 to October 1. The semifinals are scheduled for October 6, with the dates for the third place and final matches yet to be announced.
All matches will be held at the Soun Stadium, with games scheduled for 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, except for the opening match, which will start at 3:00 PM.
According to the press release, “The Oba of Ogbomoso is known for fostering success and creating opportunities. We are committed to making this tournament a success to fulfill its objectives, including providing a platform for youth to showcase their talents, discovering and nurturing these talents, and contributing to the town’s economic growth.”
The release continues, “This initiative is part of our contribution to His Majesty’s 25-year development plan and has his support. We encourage all indigenes of Ogbomosoland, both at home and abroad, to contribute towards transforming Ogbomoso into a model city. As His Majesty marks one year in office, we wish him many more years of health and prosperity. His dedication has inspired us, and we invite everyone, young and old, to join in this effort. Let us take action to realize the Ogbomoso of our dreams. The future begins today. If we don’t act, no one will do it for us. We must lead the way.”
The tournament will also feature 30 other teams: White Stars FC, Igbon FC, Eleven Lions, Masifa United, Taraa Rovers, Bright Stars, Favours FC, Diamond FC, Saint FC, Otamokun FC, Ola Babes, Galaxy FC, Mighty Crown FC, Hill City FC, RST FC, Castle FA, Apex FC, Jumbo FC, Adifala United, Romeo FC, Abolaji FC, Rising Stars, Bombers FC, Young Arsenal, Netshooter FC, FC Zenith, Olorunsogo FC, Olobada FC, Jordan FC, and Liberty FC.
