Alake Leads Royal Fathers as Abeokuta Polo Club Celebrates First Anniversary, Honours Fagbayi, Inducts New Members

The Abeokuta Polo Club on Friday celebrated its first anniversary in a grand and colourful ceremony that brought together Royal Fathers, top Government Officials, Business Leaders, Diplomats and distinguished personalities to commemorate a year of remarkable growth while welcoming new members into the prestigious Club.

The memorable event, held at the Banquet Hall of Park Inn by Radisson, Abeokuta, featured the induction of accomplished professionals, decoration of Founding Members, presentation of Awards of Excellence and the unveiling of the Club’s strategic vision for the future.

Leading the array of Traditional Rulers at the occasion was the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR, Okukenu IV, who was joined by the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Otileta VII, and the Olota of Ota, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi AbdulKabir Obalanlege.

Also present was Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, who represented former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR. The event equally attracted Senior Government Officials, members of the National and State Assemblies, captains of industry, distinguished Military and Security Officers, members of the diplomatic and business communities, patrons, members of the Board of Trustees and other invited guests.

One of the major highlights of the anniversary celebration was the presentation of the Abeokuta Polo Club Award of Excellence to the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the promotion of culture and tourism, as well as his unwavering support for the vision and development of the Abeokuta Polo Club.

The Club also honoured several eminent personalities with the prestigious status of Founding Members. Among those decorated were former First Lady of Ogun State, Her Excellency, Yeye Olufunso Amosun, Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, alongside other distinguished personalities whose commitment has continued to strengthen the foundation and aspirations of the Club.

In another defining moment of the evening, 10 accomplished men and women were formally inducted into the Abeokuta Polo Club after taking the membership pledge.

Speaking during the ceremony, the President of Abeokuta Polo Club, Chief Dr. Sheriff Adams Abdulrahman, expressed delight over the Club’s achievements within its first year and reaffirmed its commitment to developing the Abeokuta Polo & Country Resort into a world-class destination for polo, tourism, hospitality, recreation and investment.

He said the Club remains focused on attracting local and international investors while contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of Ogun State through tourism promotion, job creation and sustainable development initiatives.

Guests were also treated to goodwill messages from eminent personalities, colourful cultural performances, networking sessions and the unveiling of the Club’s long-term strategic vision, all of which reflected the remarkable progress recorded since the groundbreaking of its permanent site in May 2025.

Global Mirror News gathered that the atmosphere throughout the event was one of celebration, optimism and renewed commitment as members and stakeholders reflected on the Club’s impressive journey and looked ahead to an even brighter future.

Barely one year after its establishment, the Abeokuta Polo Club has continued to strengthen its reputation as one of Ogun State’s fast-rising private institutions dedicated to promoting polo, culture, tourism, investment and sustainable development, while positioning Abeokuta as a destination for sporting excellence and economic growth.