Oyo sports commissioner to attend as Oba Ghandi marks 1yr ascension with Orumogege Cup

Oyo sports commissioner to attend as Oba Ghandi marks 1yr ascension with Orumogege Cup

Femi OGUNLANA

It is one year since the ascension to the throne of His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III as the Soun of Ogbomoso.

Oba Olaoye was installed September 8, 2023, by the Areago of Ogbomosoland, High Chief Samuel Sobalaje Otolorin-led kingmakers, at the sacred Abata Section of the Palace, following the approval of his nomination by the Oyo state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde earlier on September 2.

The one year installation anniversary will not be with much fanfare in terms of festivities however the event is to be commemorated with the Orumogege Football Competition starting that day, aimed at engaging the youths and embarking on football talent hunt among the young population in Ogbomoso.

The football tournament organized by a prominent youth organization, Ogbomoso Community Youth Forum (OCYF), led by the monarch’s Director of Media and Community Relations Officer, Rev’d Peter Olaleye, will, according to a press release announcing the commencement of the competition, feature 32 teams across the local governments in Ogbomoso zone, with Awoye United FC from Ogbomoso South local government trading tackles with Iresapa FC from Surulere local government, for the opening matches.

The statement informs that the paramount traditional ruler will attend the opening ceremony accompanied by his chiefs, prominent citizens and other well wishers.

The first round of the competition, tagged the round of 32, a knockout format, will hold between September 8 and 21. The 16 teams that emerged will take part in round of 16 between September 22 and 28 with the quarter final encounters slated for September 29 to October 1. The Semi final will come up on October 6. Meanwhile dates for third place and final matches are yet to be disclosed.

All matches are to be played at the Soun Stadium, 2:00pm and 4:00pm, except the opening match slated for 3:00pm.
“The Oba of Ogbomoso is noted for success and creation of opportunities, we are going to drive this tournament to success so as to achieve the purpose for which it is organized, which among others are to provide platform for youths to showcase their sporting talents, discover and help to nurture them and through it contribute to boosting the economic potential of the town,” the release states.