The ancient town of Ijebu Igbo will come alive with grassroots football action as High Chief Alhaji Abiodun Olawale Lawal Abinugbola sponsors a football competition to mark his ‘OLUOMO OF IJEBU IGBO’ title.
The title, conferred by the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jayeoba Adebajo (Ojuromi VI), will be formally celebrated on February 5, 2026, with the football tournament serving as one of the major highlights of the festivities.
The competition, facilitated by the Ijebu North local branch of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), is aimed at building unity, peace and youth engagement across Ijebu Igbo. It is scheduled to kick off on January 10, 2026.
Five teams, representing the major quarters of Ijebu Igbo – Oke Sopen, Oke Agbo, Ojowo, Japara and Atikori, will participate in the tournament. For a start, the competition will adopt a league format, while the top 4 teams to accumulate the highest number of points will progress to the knockout phase of the super four (semi-finals ).
To formally unveil the tournament, the Local Organising Committee will hold a press briefing on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. The briefing will provide detailed information on the modalities of the competition to participating teams, their officials and the general public.
A total prize money of ₦1 million has been earmarked for the competition. The winning team will receive ₦500,000, while the second and third-placed teams will go home with ₦300,000 and ₦200,000 respectively.
Members of the Local Organising Committee include Ogbeni Abolaji Sobowale as Chairman; Mr. Samuel Osineye, Vice Chairman; Mr. Olatunde Hazmat, Technical Director; Mr. Arogundade Taofeek, Media and Publicity Director; Comrade Gbenga Adeiye, Welfare Director; Comrade Olayinka Sobowale, Comrade Abdul-Lateef Adeyemi as members; and Comrade Abdul-Lateef Ajibise, Secretary.
The organisers expressed optimism that the tournament will not only celebrate the Oluomo’s installation but also strengthen unity, promote sportsmanship, showcase talents and deepen youth participation in community development across Ijebu Igbo.
