Ibokun become the Ijesa North champions after a fair contest to win the 2024 Governor’s Cup on home soil.
Recall that over twenty-two teams from wards and towns across the Ijesa North Federal Constituency competed for the trophy proudly sponsored by Pelumi Olajengbesi.
The team completed a cycle of tough fixtures to claim the trophy in the final after it defeated Esa-Oke two goals against one in the semi-final.
Ijebu-Ijesa had also engaged in a 1-1 draw against Ipetu-Ijesa before the former defeated the latter in a penalty shootout.
The two teams, Ibokun FC and Ijebu-Ijesa FC, contested fiercely in the final after twenty teams had fallen by the wayside in the tournament.
Adeyemo Opeyemi, who had performed convincingly in the first half, netted the only goal in the grand finale to give Ibokun FC a 1-0 victory against Ijebu-Ijesa in Ibokun on Tuesday, December 24.
Players and the technical team, including residents of Ibokun, stormed the stadium to celebrate the victory after the referee had blown the final whistle, signaling the end of the match.
I am so happy that Ibokun won and we were not defeated in our home. The players did not disappoint us. It was a fierce contest, but I’m glad that we won. Tolulope, a spectator who doubles as a resident of Ibokun, told reporters.
“It is very special to win in your hometown. This is the best Christmas and New Year gift. We will celebrate joyously”, another Obokun resident identified as Olu disclosed.
Elder Kola Adewusi, the Deputy Governor of Osun State, presented a cheque of two million naira (N2 million) to Ibokun FC as the winner of the Governor’s Cup. The Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, Oba Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe, presented a cheque of one million naira (N1 million) to Ijebu-Ijesa as the runner-up, while the Elegboro of Ijebu-Ijesa, Oba Moses Ilufemiloye Agunsoye, presented a cheque of N500,000 to Ipetu-Ijesa as the second runner-up.
The event was well attended by Fuji maestros, Saheed Osupa and Taye Currency, the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, Oba Akeem Ogungbangbe, the Elegboro of Ijebu-Ijesa, Oba Moses Olufemi Agunsoye, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, Hon. Diran Odeyemi, the lawmaker representing Obokun State Constituency, Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi popularly known as Irekandu among others.
The favorite player of the tournament was rewarded with two trips to any African country of his choice, among other prizes.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Elder Kola Adewusi, commended Pelumi Olajengbesi for his support for local sports and community development.
While highlighting the significant of the football competition, he urged residents of Oriade/Obokun federal constituency to unite and support the developmental initiatives spearheaded by Human Rights Lawyer Barrister Pelumi Olajemgbesi.
Adewusi who represented the governor emphasized that such collective efforts are crucial for advancing democracy and fostering growth in the zone.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sports development as a tool for societal progress.
The Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, Oba Akeem Ogungbangbe while speaking on behalf of Traditional rulers such as the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa Oba Olufemi Agunsoye praised Barrister Olajemgbesi for his ingenuity and dedication to youth empowerment.
He commended the Human Rights lawyer’s numerous initiatives aimed at uplifting the youth and fostering development across the constituency.
Mrs. Omowumi, one of the winners of the raffle draws thanked Pelumi Olajengbesi for organizing the event.
Omowumi who won a deep freezer revealed that she was considering a loan to get one since her old freezer got spoilt three years ago.
In his Remarks, Barrister Olajengbesi expressed his vision to identify and nurture young football talents through the competition.
He revealed that recruitment agencies are set to scout exceptional players for opportunities abroad, enabling them to advance their football careers.
