By Ifeoluwa Aolat
The 2025 edition of the Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye Football Competition reached a dramatic climax on Thursday, September 18, as Imade College, Owo, clinched the male title with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Methodist High School, while Methodist High School’s female team dominated St. Catherine’s Girls Grammar School 3–0 to emerge champions of the maiden female category.
The explosive final matches, played before a mammoth crowd of football enthusiasts, lived up to expectations with suspense, dazzling skills, and high-octane action. Spectators erupted with excitement as both sides displayed brilliance and determination from start to finish.
The grand finale also attracted several royal fathers across Owo Local Government Area, who graced the occasion in solidarity with the host, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo.
Speaking after the pulsating encounters, Oba Ogunoye commended the players for their sportsmanship and resilience, describing the competition as a unifying platform for young talents to showcase their skills.
The monarch further charged contestants and youths in the local government to see the Olowo’s Sports Festival as an avenue to realise their dreams of greatness, while urging them to shun cultism, internet fraud, and other vices that could ruin their future.
As part of the colourful closing ceremony, prizes and trophies were presented to the champions, runners-up, and outstanding players, marking a memorable end to this year’s edition.
Over the years, the Oba Ogunoye Football Competition has grown into a celebrated sporting fiesta, fostering unity, healthy rivalry, and talent discovery among schools in Owo.
With this year’s thrilling edition setting a new benchmark, anticipation is already building for the 2026 tournament, as more schools and young talents look forward to writing their names in the history of the Olowo’s Cup.
