The *Oduduwa Football Tournament* has received a major traditional endorsement from *Oba Gbolahan Akanbi Timson Jagunmolu III* of Shomolu Bariga, in a development widely seen as a significant boost for grassroots sports and youth development across Yoruba land.
In a historic and symbolic gesture aimed at promoting unity and youth empowerment through sports, the monarch formally endorsed the *Oduduwa Football Tournament* under the leadership of *Prince Kolawole Oripinye,* Chief Executive Officer of *Silversport Nigeria Limited* and Director of *Oduduwa Sport Limited.*
The royal endorsement ceremony took place on *March 11, 2026* , when the management of the Oduduwa Football Tournament presented the official *Certificate of Royal Endorsement* to the monarch at his palace. The presentation marked another important milestone in the growing recognition and support for the tournament’s vision of youth empowerment and sports development in the Southwest.
The Oduduwa Football Tournament is a regional grassroots football competition designed to unite the Yoruba-speaking states of Nigeria while discovering and nurturing young football talents. The initiative seeks to provide a structured platform where emerging players from local communities can showcase their skills and gain opportunities that may lead to national and international recognition.
Beyond the excitement of football, the tournament represents a broader mission — promoting unity, celebrating Yoruba cultural heritage, and strengthening regional identity through sports.
Speaking during the endorsement ceremony, *Oba Gbolahan Akanbi Timson Jagunmolu III* reaffirmed his strong commitment to youth development and community advancement. He praised the vision behind the tournament and pledged to use his influence and leadership position to support the growth of the initiative.
The monarch emphasized that sports remain one of the most effective tools for social transformation, peacebuilding, and economic opportunity for young people.
He further disclosed that he would encourage fellow traditional rulers across Yoruba land to support the Oduduwa Football Tournament, noting that sports possess a unique power to unite communities and inspire the younger generation.
The royal father also urged the organizers to remain focused and committed to the project, stressing that the tournament carries great potential to become a major platform for youth empowerment and talent discovery.
Oba Jagunmolu III called on corporate organizations, political leaders, traditional institutions, and well-meaning individuals across the Southwest and Nigeria as a whole to partner with and support the Oduduwa Football Tournament.
According to the monarch, “When we empower our youth through sports and structured opportunities, we are securing the future of our people.”
The royal endorsement further strengthens the credibility and vision of the Oduduwa Football Tournament as a strategic platform for youth mobilization, regional development, and long-term investment in grassroots football.
With increasing support from traditional institutions, growing public interest, and strong leadership from its organizers, the Oduduwa Football Tournament is steadily positioning itself to become one of the most influential grassroots sporting initiatives in the Southwest region of Nigeria.
