The Ileogbo Golf Club and Resort, Osun State, on Saturday played host to golfers, political leaders, traditional rulers and other dignitaries as a birthday golf kitty was organised to mark the 75th birthday of a former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
The tournament, which was the third edition of the annual birthday golf kitty held in honour of the former governor, attracted veteran golfers, professionals and young players from across Nigeria and the diaspora, bringing together experience and emerging talent on the course.
Golfers across all categories reported early for registration and grouping before tee-off at about 8:00am.
The competition, which lasted until about 4:00pm, featured several prominent personalities, including former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mr. Benedict Alabi; retired Justice Jide Falola; and Asiwaju Tunde Badmus, among others.
The golf kitty was followed by a reception at the club house, which attracted politicians, legal practitioners, business executives, traditional rulers, as well as family members and friends of the celebrant.
Awards and prizes were presented to winners in various categories, while a complementary gift was also presented to Prince Oyinlola in celebration of his milestone age.
Speaking at the event, the Founder and Chairman of Ileogbo Golf Club, Engineer Olanrewaju Adeleke, said the annual golf kitty was instituted to celebrate Prince Oyinlola’s contributions to the game of golf and his years of public service.
Engineer Adeleke described the celebrant as a resourceful, generous and humble personality whose life and achievements, he said, deserved celebration.
He also noted that the Ileogbo Golf Club had grown into one of the leading golf courses in Nigeria in terms of infrastructure and development.
According to him, the club is currently in its fourth year of implementing a 10-year development plan aimed at guiding its growth.
“Without sounding immodest, Ileogbo Golf Club is now the best in Nigeria in terms of infrastructure and strategic planning. We intend to improve on that by making it a tourist destination and putting the necessary facilities in place,” Adeleke said.
“This is our fourth year into the 10-year development plan, and in the remaining six years, we expect to rank among the best across the world,” he added.
Prince Oyinlola, who expressed delight at the event, thanked the management of the Ileogbo Golf Club for organising the golf kitty in his honour. He described the steady growth of the club as a significant step in sports development, particularly in advancing golf in Nigeria.
“Prayers don’t win tournaments; quality infrastructure and sound administrative policies are what nurture talents who can make the country proud, and that is what this course represents,” he said.
The former governor also noted that the sense of fellowship in golf makes the game one of the most enjoyable retirement pursuits, adding that he has no plans to stop playing.
In his remarks, former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mr. Benedict Alabi, said Prince Oyinlola deserved to be celebrated for attaining the age of 75, describing him as an important figure in both golf and governance in Nigeria.
Alabi also described the Lanreleke Sports Academy as a vital response to the shortage of sports academies in the country, commending its sustained development.
Former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Osun State, Prince Adebayo Adeleke, expressed joy at being part of the event, describing golf as a reflection of life.
He prayed for long life and stability for the celebrant and thanked the management of the Ileogbo Golf Club for honouring him.
In separate goodwill messages, former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Prof. Mojeed Alabi; the Olowu of Owu-Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude; and veteran Nollywood actor, Alhaji Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande), described Prince Oyinlola as a leader committed to the well-being of his people.
They also acknowledged his role in promoting culture and the game of golf.
Activities lined up for the celebration included indoor games at the Bamboo House, the cutting of the birthday cake, and musical performances by a popular juju musician.
