The ancient city of Ibadan is expected to host Southwest governors, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye III, sports enthusiasts and dignitaries at a maiden Lawn Tennis Championship in honour of First Republic monarch and Minister from Owo in Ondo State, Oba Sir Olateru Olagbegi II, KBE.
The event, which holds on Saturday, April 26, at the Ibadan Recreation Club is being planned to be a rekindling of the sportsmanship memories of the late king who was an avid sportsman.
It will be recalled that during the turbulence of early military rule in Nigeria, Oba Olagbegi was deposed on February 16, 1968 by the Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi military government, spent his banishment period in Ibadan before re-ascending the throne 25 years after, in 1993.
During the exile years in Ibadan, Oba Olateru Olagbegi spent his time playing the game of lawn tennis and billiards to keep his spirits up, as well as making friends and networking.
Oba Olagbegi also partnered the late Mr M. C. Nwanbuno to win the National Veterans Double Tennis Championship in 1969 , with the monarch affirming that the tourney was one of the most joyful moments of his life.
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In a release signed by his son, Prince Adegoke Olateru-Olagbegi on behalf of the organizers of the tourney, named Olateru Olagbegi Maiden Tennis Championship, the tournament will showcase the sporting potentials of young players spread across the Southwest of Nigeria.
“I have always dreamed of something that will immortalize my father, that will keep his name reverberating forever, hence the beginning of Sir Olateru Olagbegi KBE Tennis Championships,” Olateru-Olagbegi said.
According to the organisers, 20 clubs are expected to compete for medals and prizes which range from N200,000 to N100,000 in this maiden edition while arrangements are already in place to make the tournament a yearly event held in memory of the monarch whose love for lawn tennis sport was unrivalled.
Prince Olateru-Olagbegi further revealed that the tournament, which will be a Men’s Singles and Doubles, will be witnessed by sports lovers and dignitaries from all over the country.