The Ibadan Polo Club has prepared five teams, twenty players, and about eighty well-trained horses, in preparation for the special tournament to honor the executive governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, to usher him into Omituntun 2.0 administration.
According to a statement obtained by Ibadan Media, the captain of the club, Edozie Onwuli, said, they have been planning for the tournament longer than they have planned for their annual tournament in May.
Edozie spoke further, “This tournament, However, due to its significance, that is to usher in phase two of the new Oyo State, under the leadership of His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde in his second tenure as Governor of the Pace Setter State. The Executives of the club got the blessing of the Grand Patron, Brig Gen (Ambs) Oluwole Rotimi, the Trustees, Past Presidents, and Past Captains to make the tournament a stand-alone. For this, we have invited the finest players Ibadan has to offer such as Ahmed Umar (from Calabar), Glory Obana, Jibrin Ali (from Lagos), Saidu Umar, Salisu Umoru, Bola Adeyemi, Carl Alakija, Edozie Onwuli (from Abuja), just to mention a few whom will be playing in the intermediate goal cup. We also have the likes of Baba Ige (who plays in England), Sherif Kasali (from Lagos), Kunmi Edet (from Lagos), Prince Kunmi Ajibade, and Mogaji Olajuwon Subair who will join a list of others to play in the low goal cup. In total, five teams, twenty players, and about eighty well-trained horses will be on the field in honor of His Excellency, our traditional institutions, and by extension Oyo State and the people within. I am sure you will agree with me that this is an impressive number celebrating our Governor and excellence.”
“The reason behind this Classic tournament goes beyond mere competition. It’s an event that unites and showcases a different aspect of the sport of polo; its merger of diversity and promotion of friendship and mutual understanding. Moreover, the tournament also serves its noble purpose. To this end, actors within the State who are focused on community building have been brought together as team(s) and tournament sponsors such as Mogaji Engr Dotun Sanusi (Team Ilaji), Amb Taofeek Arapaja (Team Arapaja), Mogaji Joseph Tegbe (Team Tegbe), Oloye Abiola Iyiola (Team Anlamole), Mogaji Olajuwon Subair (Team Ile Nla).
While the main sponsor of the tournament is Alerzo, cosponsors include; Oyo State Government, Cardify, Graham Beck, Cleantos services, Fesko Electricals, Sekiapp, Boff and co, Kopek, and Infinix.”
“This Classic tournament will demonstrate that sports can serve as a powerful force for positive change. Not only does it attract like minds, but it also contributes to the betterment of the communities hosting this remarkable event and of course, after the games, there is there an opportunity for individuals from all walks of life to mingle, exchange ideas, create new business and social contacts while being hosted to a cocktail with music from the turntable of Disk Jockey Bjazz.”
He concluded by saying that access to the tournament is free for everyone who may like to attend.
