By Adeyinka Adeniran
The grand finale of the football competition held as part of the Gbongan Olufi Day 2026 celebration transformed into a powerful platform for community unity and a passionate appeal to the youth.
Rather than being exploited by politicians for electoral thuggery, the younger generation was urged to channel their energy into sports and positive community building.
Addressing the massive crowd shortly after the final match held between Olufi United and Oke-Ofa FC, the sponsor of the competition, Asiwaju Olufemi Adedeji emphasized the vital role of sports in fostering communal harmony.
The final which held at St. Patrick Grammar School Field Gbongan, Ayedaade local government, saw the current title holder, Olufi United retaining the title after defeating Oke-Ofa FC via a penalty shotout after the match ended in a goalless draw at regulation time.
The final match was watched by the Olufi of Gbonganland, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi. He was accompanied by other prominent traditional title holders in the town, including, the Balogun, High Chief Qasim Onikepe, Seriki, Chief Kola Owopade, Iyalode, Mrs Fadehan Oni, Vice Chairman Association of Gbongan Progressive Elements, Olajide Olabode, Chairman, Gbongan Olufi Day 2026 Planning Committee, Chief Johnson Awokola and the Omoyeloye of Gbonganland, Dr. Murthada Mofolasole among others sons and daughters of the ancient town.
Also, the event was attended by the Senior Special Adviser to Osun State Governor, Chief Adekunle Adedoye among other top functionaries and dignitaries.
Asiwaju Adedeji, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state in his remarks said he was passionate about engaging the energy of the youths positively, noting that the intention was among others to discover raw talent and provide them opportunities for international exposure.
He said, “For me, I love to see the youths engage positively, and one of the best places to get them engaged is on the pitch,” he stated, highlighting how the gatherings bring townspeople together to support their preferred teams.
Addressing the alarming trend of politicians enlisting youths for nefarious political activities, Adedeji appealed to the youths, saying, “we don’t have any other country but this country. So, for any politician engaging you to cause trouble, I think that person doesn’t love you, and if anything goes wrong with you, the person will look the other way.”
He contrasted this with the supportive nature of sports, noting, “With sports, if anything goes wrong with you, we will show up for you because we know that you have contributed positively towards the unity of the community”.
Echoing these sentiments, the Chairman of the Aiyedade Football Association and one of the organizers of the tournament, Adewale Adefowope, praised football’s unique ability to bridge divides.
“You know, football competition is one of the things that unite the people,” Adewale noted, expressing pride in the turnout and the passion displayed by the locals.
He further outlined broader community initiatives tied to the event, ranging from academic support like JAMB form sponsorships to food distributions for families.
In his remarks, the Olufi of Gbonganland, Oba Oyeniyi lauded the organisers for their passion and commitment to the football competition among other events for the celebration. He said the tournament has produced and exposed the youths to various opportunities, urging the youths to in the spirit of the tournament remain united rather than allow politics to divide them.
Hhighpoint of the event was the presentation of medals trophies and personal recognition to deserving players, match officials, including financial compensation.
Additonally, impressed by the performances and unity showed by the players, the Omoyeloye of Gbonganland, Dr. Murthada Mofolasole announced a cash donation of N1million each for both the winner and the runner up.
As the cheers echoed across the pitch, the resounding message from Gbongan Olufi Day 2026 was clear: youth potential belongs on the playing field building a peaceful and prosperous future, not on the political battleground.
