Today, Ibokun will be the center of all the charm and attractions. All roads lead to Ibokun, the town that meets battle. Ajibogun literally means “Ilu Eni to bu Okun” – the town of the ‘brine fetcher’. This time, the people of Ibokun are neither at war nor in trouble. She is the host community of the Ijesa North Governor’s Cup. Ibokun has a long history of receiving and entertaining visitors. The founders and early settlers of Ibokun are kind and courteous.
Have you been to the palace of his Royal Majesty, the Baabokun of Ibokunland? It is a sanctuary of comfort and tranquillity. The Ibokun people comprehend the language of tolerance, resilience, love, and understanding. If you’ve been to Ibokun before, you’ll know that they’re no strangers to hospitality. It is hardly surprising that Ibokun will host the Governor Ademola Adeleke Cup’s grand finale.
As football fans assemble in Ibokun, I recall a meeting Pelumi Olajengbesi conducted with coaches and sports enthusiasts in Ijebu-Ijesa about seven years ago. Pelumi had recently left the bar and was practicing under the supervision and direction of Kayode Ajulo Esq. The ITURA foundation, which he founded while a law student at the University of Abuja and is known for its education and welfare support, was still in its early stages, and he hoped to broaden the foundation’s philosophy to include sports development. He had previously contributed books to public students through the Ijebu-Ijesa National Students Union, led by Comrade Adeniyi Damilare, and offered financial support to recent law graduates, which drew a large sum of money.
He approached Damilare and stated that he wanted to organize a football competition. He told him to set up a meeting with coaches in Ijebu-Ijesa. Is there a football competition in Ijebu-Ijesa? a concerned Damilare wondered. He couldn’t recall the last time a football competition was held at Ijebu-Ijesa. He contacted the coaches, and they organized the competition.
Despite the wishes and predictions of naysayers who predicted that conflicts and disagreements would prevent the tournament from ending well, the grand finale was held at the Ijebu-Ijesa Grammar School and went well. It was a masterpiece. Everyone, including the king and renowned Ijebu-Ijesa natives, praised Pelumi Olajengbesi for unifying young people from all walks of life. The story of Odo-Oja, Odo-Ese, and Ogbon Igbeje, among others, was one of unity and great brotherhood. Olajengbesi used athletics to bring together a kingdom in need of togetherness.
Although the Ijebu-Ijesa football competition was positive, loud, and unifying, it sparked debate in towns such as Ipetu-Ijesa, Esa-Oke, and Ibokun, among others. Pelumi’s supporters asked that he host a football championship in their various communities. The young lawyer, whose passion for sports is addictive, did not dispute against their demands. He set up football competitions at Ipetu-Ijesa and Esa-Oke. In a meeting with coaches, he stated that there are over 40 towns in Oriade/Obokun, and it is preferable to organize a football competition for the entire constituency rather than one town at a time.
The coaches became involved in the idea, and the first-ever football competition spanning the whole Oriade/Obokun federal constituency was held. Matches were played in large towns, with no town missing out. Smaller communities join forces to form one team. The event was more than just a football competition for the Oriade/Obokun children. It was an excellent opportunity to further their unity.
The coaches, however, expressed concern that the match schedule might not be fulfilled. They stated that they do not want to be used and discarded. They do not want to create a football competition since the sponsor will leave before the grand final or complain about the logistics fund. Throughout the meeting, Pelumi Olajengbesi remained silent. He didn’t say anything when he finally spoke. His personal assistant told coaches that all would be OK.
He purchased jerseys for all players, officials’ uniforms, and a whole football package for participation just two weeks before kickoff. He also set aside a respectable amount of money for logistics, which was more than they actually need. The football event was a success. Everything went well, and it was the first football competition held in the entire Ijesa North.
As people gather at L.A Primary School to see the grand final of another edition of the Ijesa North Governor’s Cup, a star-studded event, I recall Pelumi Olajengbesi and his passion for sports, activism, and people. I also remember him for his words. The dice has been cast. I leave Pelumi Olajengbesi in the hands of fate, God, and the people he brings joy to.
