The spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and community pride shone brightly as Ijero United Football Club triumphed to become the first-ever champions of the Oluye Municipal Cup, a grassroots football tournament that brought together clubs from across the Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
In a thrilling final held at the Ijero Township Stadium, Ijero United edged out Iloro United with a narrow 1-0 victory, etching their name in local football history as the inaugural winners of the celebrated competition.
The tournament featured 14 clubs, including Young Stars FC of Odo Owa Equity, Temidire FC, Araromi FC, Ayegunle FC, Oke Oro FC, Jaytee Ojo Foundation Sport Academy, Ikoro Ekiti, Ijurin FC, New Star FC, Ultimate FC of Ara Ekiti, Iroko United FC, among others. Organized by High Chief Samuel Bankole Adeleye, founder of Banky TV Entertainment Network and Oluye of Ijero Kingdom, the competition was designed to promote grassroots sports development and discover young football talents across Ekiti communities.
Speaking at the grand finale, High Chief Bankole Adeleye emphasized the tournament’s wider purpose: “This is more than just football — it’s a movement to reclaim the potential of our young people and give them something positive to aspire to. I am proud of the quality of play and the sense of brotherhood displayed throughout the tournament.” He also lauded the contributions of prominent sons of Ijero Ekiti such as Captain Olu Alufa towards the event’s success.
The Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, praised the organizers and hailed the competition as a timely intervention for youth empowerment and social cohesion. “The Oluye Municipal Cup has brought joy, unity, and purpose to our communities. I urge more stakeholders and philanthropists to emulate this initiative. Our young people need platforms like this to thrive,” the monarch said.
The tournament provided weeks of entertaining football, with local talents showcasing skill, determination, and passion. Coaches, scouts, and community leaders commended the high standard of play, noting the competition’s potential as a launchpad for future professional footballers from Ekiti State.
With Ijero United lifting the maiden trophy, residents and football enthusiasts are already eagerly anticipating a bigger and better second edition next year.
The Oluye Municipal Cup has firmly established itself as a beacon of hope, pride, and promise in the heart of Ijero’s football scene.
