The plans by Ekiti State Football Association to stage a football competition for U13 in honour of the late Oba(Justice) Ademola Ajakaiye, the Oluyin of Iyin- Ekiti, has received the approval and royal blessings of the family.
While receiving the members of the Ekiti FA board led by its Chairman Bayo Olanlege in the royal palace, Regent Jackie Adeola Ajakaiye Okarevu, the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, expressed her appreciation to the board of Ekiti FA on the plans to immortalise the sporting legacies of the late Oba Ajakaiye with the youth football tournament.
In his speech, Bayo Olanlege recalled with fond nostalgia the several efforts of the late Oba Ajakaiye towards the development of Ekiti youths, through sports, particularly, football.
” We recognize and appreciate the support and influence of late Oba( Justice) Ademola Ajakaiye, Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, in the development of Ekiti youths and sports.
” Ekiti FA board members and the entire football community cannot overemphasize the immense contributions of our late royal father to the successes achieved by the FA. Therefore, the planned U13 football competition is among other plans to immortalise him,” Olanlege remarked.
Reacting, Regent Ajakaiye Okarevu stated her gratitude to the Ekiti FA on plans to honour her late father. As she recalled with fond memories the passion exhibited for sports, particularly, football by the late Kabiyesi.
” I believe it is a good way to honour the memory of the late Kabiyesi my father. He was a very ardent sports lover and loved football passionately. He thoroughly enjoyed watching the game, both local and international clubs.
“He also believed that football is a medium to unite people, so it won’t be out of place for Ekiti state FA to want to immortalise his name using the under 13 football tournament. I’m very sure he will feel so proud having the tournament named after him,” she said.
She added; “The palace and the children of the late Kabiyesi will always welcome and support all avenues to develop the youths, engage and unite them. And football is a very important avenue for doing this. I can therefore say we will support the organisation in every way required of us. “
