Oyo Acting Governor Bayo Lawal, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, and other dignitaries will attend the Orumogege Cup in Ogbomoso to mark Oba Ghandi Olaoye’s 2nd coronation anniversary, with ₦3.5m prizes up for grabs.
The Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, are expected in Ogbomoso on Monday, September 8, for the second coronation anniversary of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III.
The anniversary will be marked with the launch of the second edition of the Orumogege Football Competition at the main bowl of Soun Stadium, Ogbomoso. The announcement was made during a press briefing at the Soun’s Palace, Oja’gbo, by the chairman of the organising committee, Mr. Amos Adewale Ado.
Ado explained that this year’s edition, unlike the maiden tournament, will feature both male and female categories. He described the competition as more than just a sporting event, but a platform to celebrate the monarch, promote unity, and nurture young talents.
> “The Orumogege Football Festival showcases the vibrant sporting spirit of Ogbomoso. It reflects the power of football to inspire, unite, and empower our people,” he stated.
He further emphasized that the tournament is aimed at discovering and developing grassroots footballers, while instilling values such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience in youths.
Highlighting Ogbomoso’s rich history in sports, Ado mentioned notable footballers from the community, including the late Layi Lagbemiro and Tunde Bamidele, both of whom featured for the Green Eagles, and Oladunni Oyekale, who won silver at the FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cups in 1987 and 1989. He also recalled that former Super Eagles star, Seyi Olofinjana, rose to prominence through Ogbomoso’s football structure.
The final matches will hold in December during the Cradles Carnival. Winners in both male and female categories will receive ₦1 million each, while second and third-place teams will go home with ₦500,000 and ₦250,000 respectively.
Other dignitaries expected include the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, as well as lawmakers representing Ogbomoso at state and federal levels.
Ado also appealed for sponsorship support, stressing the need for investment in sports infrastructure, training, and youth development.
> “By investing in sports, we are building opportunities for our youths to shine at national and international levels. The benefits will extend to their families, our community, and the country at large,” he added.
Present at the press briefing were Mr. Aina Ayobamiji Ojo, Chairman of the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival Pre-Event Committee and CEO of Talking Drum Hotel; Hon. Rasaq Atanda (Razor); Hon. Bello Abayomi, Vice Chairman of Ogbomoso FA; Comrade Adeniran Adebayo (Babs); Salam Muhammed; and Mrs. Funmi Ajagbe (Queen Sharon).
