69Year-Old Retired Navy Captain Wins 17th Alake Golf Tourney

Kemi Olanrewaju & Michael Adeleye

ABEOKUTA - A 69-year-old Retired Navy Captain Sunday Ajiboye from Abeokuta Golf Club emerged the overall best winner of the 17th Alake Golf Tournament.

The Alake golf tournament is an annual event to commemorate the coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.

The winner according to the organizers port 69net over 69 in the 18 hole course.

Speaking shortly after his award presentation, the Retired Navy Captain Ajiboye expressed delight in playing golf, attributing his success to consistent training and fitness.

In the professional category, the quartet of Muba Sanusi, K. Adisa, L. Lasisi, A. Ogunsanya won the N1million grand prize.

In the Best Male Player category, S. Akanni emerged winner with Olajide OO drawing second.

Ruth Luwoye emerged best female player of the tournament with 71net, while Funmi Omoniyi and Titi Oriyomi came second and third respectively.

In the Men's Category one, Handicap 21-28, Ola Olayinka emerged winner with 72net, Prof. Kola Adebayo came second with 73net, and Prince Nifemi Bakre, son of Agura of Gbagura land coming 3rd with 74net.

Mr. Sunday Eleyoowo won the Men's Category two.

Chief Bode Mustapha, the Osi of Egbaland won the Super Veteran category playing 75net, while Aderunwale Ayo won the veteran category with 73net and went home with bedroom size refrigerator with Kayode Amusan coming second with 79point.

The Deputy Managing Director of Oando, Chief Mofe Moyo won the Oando prize.

The lady captain Abeokuta Golf club, Sade Opawunmi won the longest drive ladies while the number one Amateur golfer in Nigeria, K. Aminu from Ilorin Tiger Club won the longest men's drive.

In his welcome address, the Captain of Abeokuta Golf Club, Bashorun Ladi Adegbite noted that the tournament has brought many guests and players to Abeokuta.

Adegbite said a total of 162 players played the tournament including 22 Professionals and 40 women from all over Nigeria, while giving out 13 trophies and prizes for different categories.

"I cannot express my gratitude enough to OANDO Plc, the corporate sponsors of the tournament. On behalf of our club, Kabiyesi Alake and the entire golfing circle we thank you for your continued support of this great sport and our Club.

"I am particularly grateful to Mr. Mofe Boyo DMD Oando for his role in making all of this come together, he is an ardent golfer and a gentleman. I recall not too long ago when some daring young men owners of a seemingly small Ocean and Oil took over UniPetrol a giant multinational oil company and eventually Agip Oil. That company continues to grow under the name Oando and has transformed into one of the largest Oil, Gas and Power conglomerates of all time.

"We are proud to be associated with this company and glad to be a part of your give back to society vide sponsorship. May your business continue to thrive beyond projection and expectation.

"I am also grateful to the Corporate Affairs Head at Oando Alero Balogun and her team for excellent guidance on branding and arrangements for a successful tourney. Today happens to be her birthday and I wish her a happy birthday.

"I cannot pass on this opportunity to raise pertinent and cogent matters such as the growth and development of this great golf club of ours. Abeokuta Golf Club has come a long way since 1987 when the Golf Club was  created and we have developed an appetite for more so as to improve the experience of members and visiting golfers alike."