*Dr. M.A. Akinde (right) receiving his first-place trophy from Mr. Kayode Salako at the event.

How FPI Rector Akinde Emerged Winner Of 2nd Edition Of Adele Olu Ilaro RCI Table Tennis Competition (+photos)

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

Chief Abiodun Ilo, the Adele Olu Ilaro-Yewa, sponsor of the tournament.

ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Dr. Mikhail Akinde, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, demonstrated his unparalleled skills in the game of ping pong when he emerged as the overall winner of the coveted cup of the prestigious Adele Olu Ilaro Table Tennis Competition.

The tournament, organized by the Table Tennis Section of the Recreation Club, Ilaro, took place at the clubhouse in Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State, bringing together skilled players for a highly competitive showdown.

Winners at the competition were Dr. Mikhail Akinde (1st), Mr. Shola Ojo (2nd), Otunba Idowu Onifade (3rd), and Alhaji Lamidi Elegbede (4th).

The event, which kicked off behind schedule due to unforeseen circumstances, was declared open by Mr. Kayode Salako; President of the Club, after members of the club rendered the club’s anthem.

In his opening speech, Salako thanked High Chief Abiodun Ilo, the sponsor of the tournament, and others who supported the competition in various ways.

He also commended the Sports Director of the club, Chief Ganiyu Salako, the Mayegun of Ajiyan, and his committee for the superb organization of the tournament.

Mr. Sola Ojo (right) receiving his second-place trophy from Mr. Gori Adeyinka at the event.

The RCI President took the opportunity to inform members that the club’s Grand Patron, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, had given his Lawn Tennis Court to the Recreation Club, Ilaro, to practice and hold competitions.

He further disclosed that the Asoju Olu of Ilaro, Chief Mufutau Olabimtan, had volunteered to sponsor a Lawn Tennis Competition for members of RCI at the court.

Salako thanked all participants in the game, especially the overall winner, Dr. M.A. Akinde, who, despite his tight schedule, found time to participate in the competition.

He also appreciated the second, third, and fourth winners, including those who were edged out during the preliminary stages of the competition.

The RCI boss extended special gratitude to Chief Mufutau Olabimtan and Dr. Akinde for providing entertainment that contributed to the success of the competition.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, TPL (Prince) Adebisi Tella reminisced about his earlier experiences with Dr. Akinde, recalling how they honed their table tennis skills at the former Egbado Recreation Club, Ilaro (now Recreation Club, Ilaro).

*Otunba Idowu Onifade (right) receiving his third-place trophy from Chief Shafarudeen Popoola at the event.

Tella thanked and commended the sponsor of the tournament and all those who contributed to its success, offering prayers for their continued blessings.

In his remarks, the Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa, Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, expressed gratitude for witnessing the second edition of the competition, having missed the maiden edition.

Hamed, who had just returned from the United Kingdom, described the competition as an exercise that promotes good health.

The Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of StarTrend Int’l Magazine and online platform, Hamed, urged members of the club to engage in regular exercise through their preferred sports, emphasizing its health benefits.

He congratulated the sponsor and participants for their dedication and applauded everyone who facilitated the success of the event.

Pa Wole Owoseni while presenting the trophy to the fourth-place winner, Alhaji Ajani Elegbede, commended the sponsor, participants, and the president of the club for organizing an event that showcased camaraderie and unity from start to finish.

The renowned broadcaster and political/social analyst, who is also an octogenarian, urged members to stay active through sports to maintain their fitness and well-being.

*Alhaji Ajani Elegbede (right) receiving his fourth-place trophy from Pa Wole Owoseni at the event.

The trophy for the third-place winner, Otunba Idowu Onifade, was presented by the Bobatolu of Ilaro-Yewa, Chief Shafarudeen Popoola, who also praised the sponsor and commended participants for their remarkable performances.

Similarly, Mr. Gori Adeyinka, an elder of the club, presented the trophy to the second-place winner, Mr. Shola Ojo.

Adeyinka congratulated all participants for their artistry and sportsmanship and prayed for continued blessings, good health, and long life for everyone.

In his brief remarks, Mr. Shola Ojo expressed gratitude for advancing from an unranked position in the maiden edition to securing second place in the second edition of the competition.

“I want to use this medium to urge other sections of sports in the club to come together and organize competitions like this while members emulate Chief ‘Biodun Ilo, the Adele Olu Ilaro, in sponsoring such programmes”, Ojo said enthusiastically.

Chief Mufutau Olabimtan actively participating in the event.

The overall winner’s trophy was presented by the RCI president, Mr. Kayode Salako, who congratulated Dr. Akinde for his excellent performance and skill in table tennis.

Salako also praised Dr. Akinde for making time to participate despite his busy schedule. He further commended all participants for their remarkable display of sportsmanship.

Responding, the winner of the 2024 Adele Olu of Ilaro Table Tennis Competition, Dr. Akinde, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to participate despite his tight schedule as Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro.

“I’m highly grateful for the opportunity, not only to participate but also to emerge as the overall winner of the competition”, Akinde said.

Dr. Akinde called on the Ogun State government to renovate and revive sporting activities at the Gateway Stadium, Ilaro, as a means to discourage youth from engaging in nefarious activities.

Chief Ganiyu Salako engaged in the action-packed event.

He remarked, “An idle hand is always the devil’s workshop”, noting that the stadium had been abandoned for years, becoming dilapidated and a haven for criminal activities.

The FPI Rector revealed that his love for table tennis dates back to his teenage years, when he trained in the sport at the local level.

“My involvement in table tennis from a young age has paid off because today, I have participated in local, state, and national competitions, winning several laurels,” Akinde shared.

He also thanked and commended the sponsor and organizers of the competition for their thoughtfulness and dedication.

Delivering his closing remarks through Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, the Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa, at the closing session of the Adele Olu Table Tennis Competition, Chief Biodun Ilo extended his congratulations to all participants of the tournament’s 2nd edition.

While expressing his gratitude, Chief Ilo said, “I want to use this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed in one way or another to the success of this 2nd edition of the Adele Olu Table Tennis Competition.”

Elder Niyi Ojo is also actively involved in the game.

He also extended special appreciation to the club’s president, Mr. Kayode Salako, for his dedication to both the first and second editions of the tournament.

Chief Ilo reminisced about the tournament’s origins, recalling a conversation with Alhaji Lamidi Elegbede (Emperor), which later involved Mr. Sola Ojo (Zola) and Chief Ganiyu Salako, Director of Sports at RCI.

He noted that this discussion led to the inaugural edition in January 2023 and, now, the successful completion of the 2nd edition.

Chief Ilo applauded the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Dr. M.A. Akinde, for his outstanding performance, stating, “He came, saw, and conquered.”

He further congratulated Dr. Akinde – Champion of the tournament; Mr. Sola Ojo (Zola) – Runner-up, achieving a remarkable double promotion; Otunba Idowu Onifade (Engineer to Moye) – 3rd place winner and Alhaji Lamidi Elegbede – Former table tennis champion, now recognized as the “4th Marine Commando”

Chief Ilo urged more players to join the Table Tennis Section, not only for competition but also for health and fitness benefits.

To further motivate participants, he announced an increase in the competition’s stakes and the addition of 10 new jerseys, along with a special “President’s Jersey.”

Mr. Biodun Ogunbona was also an active participant in the game.

With an eye on the future, Chief Ilo playfully warned the reigning champion, stating, “Champion Dr. Akinde, be prepared! Next year will be different – Trump and AI-enabled from me.”

Closing his speech, Chief Ilo expressed gratitude to all participants and supporters, wishing them a pleasant weekend while looking forward to an even better edition next year.

Interestingly, the highly competitive tournament saw an unexpected shift in rankings, with two previous medalists from the maiden edition losing their top spots while two new players secured the 1st and 2nd positions.

The competition, which began with 10 participants, saw intense matches leading to the finals. The defending champion, Alhaji Lamidi Elegbede (Emperor), and other top players were seeded into the semi-finals, while the remaining eight players battled in knockout rounds.

Key matches leading up to the final included: Prince Bisi Tella walking out High Chief Biodun Ilo (Sponsor of the Tournament); Mr. Biodun Ogunbona defeated Alhaji Ganiyu Salako; Mr. Shola Ojo defeated Chief Mufutau Olabimtan (Asoju Olu of Ilaro); Otunba Idowu Onifade defeated Elder Niyi Ojo (Oyebee); Mr. Shola Ojo defeated Prince Bisi Tella and Otunba Idowu Onifade defeated Mr. Biodun Ogunbona.

Prince Bisi Tella, also known as “Bistel,” is fully engaged in the tournament.

Others were Mr. Shola Ojo defeated Alhaji Lamidi Elegbede (Emperor); Dr. Mikhail Akinde defeated Otunba Idowu Onifade; Otunba Idowu Onifade defeated Alhaji Lamidi Elegbede (Emperor) while Dr. Mikhail Akinde defeated Mr. Shola Ojo to claim the championship title in the final match of the competition.

The overall contestants were Elder Niyi Ojo, Chief Mufutau Olabimtan, Otunba Idowu Onifade, Dr. Mikhail Akinde, Prince Ajani Elegbede, Mr. Biodun Ogunbona, Prince Bisi Tella, Mr. Sola Ojo, Cniyu Salako, and Chief Biodun Ilo.

The action-packed competition was anchored by experienced sports administrators, including Prince Adeniyi Adewale, Chief Ganiyu Salako, and Mr. Demola Odubote, retired Chief Superintendent of the Nigeria Correctional Service, the umpire of the tournament.

It was indeed a time of relaxation and camaraderie for members of the club as the tournament concluded with an atmosphere of joy and celebration with great enthusiasm.

From Left to Right: Alhaji Salami, Secretary-General of the club; Mr. Kayode Salako, President of the club; Elhadj Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed; and Prince Alaba Taiwo, all enjoying the thrilling atmosphere of the game.

About Idowu Hamed

Publisher and Editor in Chief - Magazine and Online Email: startrendinter@gmail.com