Ojaja Table Tennis Championships: Ooni to reach final as quarterfinals emerge

The maiden edition of the Ojaja Table Tennis Championship in Ile-Ife, Osun State will reach its climax on Friday with the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and Ojaja II expected to grace the final.

The championship, organized to commemorate the popular Olojo Festival, entered its decisive stage on Thursday when the quarterfinalists emerged after a closely contested opening day in which players from all six states of the southwestern geopolitical zone participated.

The tournament attracted a mix of young and experienced players, including national and international representatives as well as their coaches, in what organizers described as an effort to promote grassroots development and give talented players a platform to showcase their skills.

The eldest brother of the Ooni, Prince Adegboyega Abimbola Ogunwusi, the Sooko La’ekun of Ile-Ife, was present on the opening day and welcomed the participants to the ancient city.

He also encouraged players to take advantage of their visit to familiarize themselves with the important historical sites within and around the palace.

Also present was Ooni’s aunt, Professor Adebola Sobola, Sooko Waboodu of Ile-Ife, who praised the organizers for bringing the tournament to the cradle of Yoruba civilisation.

Professor Sobola said she would not be surprised if Ooni eventually established a permanent indoor table tennis facility within the palace, given his passion for sports and commitment to youth development.

“What we are seeing here today is so amazing, very unique, and this is the first time we have had it in Ile-Ife,” he said.

“Having a group of participants like this, international representatives, national representatives, their coaches, players, both young and old, men and women, I congratulate the organizers.

“And for me, to have thought of this idea of ​​letting this reach the cradle of Yoruba land is a good thing. It’s a very noble idea. And it’s something that Kabiyesi is proud of. And all of us are very happy to see them.”

He added that the championship had given the Olojo Festival an additional dimension and recalled the Ooni’s personal connection with table tennis.

“We are celebrating the Olojo Festival and it will add more color and value to it. Kabiyesi used to be a table tennis player and it is fun when you see him, especially using his left hand. I am sure you will be very happy to see this and as he said, he will join them on Friday.”

Professor Sobola also highlighted the importance of using sports to positively engage the youth and keep them away from social vices.

“We, the adults, must continue to encourage the younger generations so that those potentials do not die because we know what you get today in our society, in our schools and all that.

“When you engage young people, you’re getting them off the streets. You’re getting them out of inactivity. You’re getting them out of isolation, which could cause them depression, which could lead them to do some nefarious activities.

“And if we want to stop all of these things, we all need to come together and see how we can help them in one way or another.”

The OUA graduate expressed optimism that the championship will grow significantly in subsequent editions and described the inaugural tournament as just the beginning.

“This is like the tip of the iceberg. This is the first edition and the organizers are going to learn a lot from it,” he said.

“And if I can predict, knowing him, the Ooni of Ife, for all you care, might probably even decide to build a permanent site for them to use instead of making use of this room.”

With the quarter-finalists now confirmed, attention has shifted to the commercial aspect of the competition, with the finalists expected to battle for honors in the presence of the Ooni on Friday.