Grace, unity, and youthful energy converged on Thursday, 18th December 2025, at the Oduduwa College Stadium, Ile-Ife, as Ejigbo FC defeated Kamal FC of Osogbo to emerge champions of the OODUA CUP, a flagship grassroots football tournament organised as part of activities marking the 10th Coronation Anniversary of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.
The keenly contested grand finale attracted football lovers, youth groups, community leaders, and royal watchers from across Osun State and neighbouring communities, underscoring the unifying power of sports in celebrating a decade of purposeful leadership, cultural renaissance, and people-centred progress under the reign of the Arole Oduduwa.
Wife of the Ooni of Ife and Deputy Convener of the Ooni’s Hopes Alive Initiative for Africa (HAI), Her Regal Majesty, Olori Ambassador (Dr) Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi, graced the occasion alongside notable royal fathers and dignitaries, including HRM Oba Adekunle Adebowale, the Agbolu of Agbaje-Ife Kingdom, palace chiefs, community leaders, sports administrators, and youth representatives.
Speaking at the event, Her Regal Majesty, Olori Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi, paid glowing tribute to her husband, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, describing his reign as one anchored in service to humanity, youth empowerment, and inclusive development. She noted that the monarch’s passion for sports and youth engagement has remained a defining pillar of his leadership over the past decade.
According to the Olori, initiatives such as the Hopes Alive Initiative for Africa (HAI) and other youth-focused programmes reflect the Ooni’s firm belief in harnessing talent, discipline, and opportunity as tools for social transformation. She emphasised that football, in particular, serves as a powerful platform for unity, character building, and positive engagement, especially for young people across Yoruba land and beyond.
Her Regal Majesty also commended young philanthropist, Mr Hamzat Oriyomi Ibrahim, describing him as a visionary youth whose passion for community development and grassroots sports inspired the OODUA CUP. She expressed confidence that the tournament would grow into an annual platform for talent discovery, unity, and empowerment, while encouraging more young Nigerians to initiate projects that uplift society.
Also speaking, Mr Oriyomi praised the Ooni of Ife for his unwavering commitment to youth-centred development and cultural advancement, noting that the monarch’s leadership continues to inspire initiatives that bridge tradition with contemporary societal needs. He described the OODUA CUP as more than a football competition, but a symbol of hope, opportunity, and shared purpose, and called for sustained support for grassroots sports development.
On the pitch, Ejigbo FC and Kamal FC of Osogbo thrilled spectators with a disciplined and evenly matched contest. Despite several chances created by both sides, the encounter ended goalless at regulation time, pushing the final into a dramatic penalty shootout, where Ejigbo FC triumphed 5–4 to claim the coveted OODUA CUP title.
At the close of the tournament, Ejigbo FC was rewarded with a ₦1 million cash prize as champions, while Kamal FC, finishing as runners-up, received a ₦500,000 cash prize, reinforcing the Ooni of Ife’s enduring commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots sports development.
Beyond the final whistle, the OODUA CUP stood as a symbolic celebration of football, culture, unity, and legacy, reflecting the values that have defined the Ooni’s ten years on the throne. From the palace to the pitch, the anniversary celebration continues to inspire discipline, togetherness, and hope across communities.
