By Dipo Olowookere
Recently, the ancient town of Iseyin in Oyo State became bubbling with the array of dignitaries that thronged into the community for the grand finale of Peller Unity Cup 2017.
Important personalities in the country led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III showed their support for the event.
After intense rounds of matches, all roads led to the NYSC permanent Orientation camp, Iseyin, Oyo State for the 3rd place match between Irepo United and Saki West Rovers; and the derby final match between Iseyin City and Iseyin United.
Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi took the Kick-off at the final match in company of other royal fathers such as: Aseyin of Iseyin- Oba (Dr.) Abdulganiyu Salau; and Ona Onibode of Igboho- Oba AbdulRasheed Jaiyeola; dignitaries from the Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports; as well as representatives from the Oyo State Football Association.
The tournament, which was part of the events lined up to celebrate the 20th memorial of the late Professor Peller, according to his son, Shina Peller, was designed to empower youths and promote unity in the Oke-Ogun district of Oyo State in partnership with Oyo State Ministry of Youths and Sports and Oyo state Football Association.
“As much as this tournament is in the memory of my late father, Professor Moshood Abiola Peller, it is noteworthy to know that it was also created to improve the development of grass root football not just in Oke-Ogun but also Oyo state in general. The tournament is nothing political.” Mr Shina Peller said.
With the attendance of the likes of Davido, and Sound Sultan at the opening ceremony of the tournament in July, attendees trooped out en mass to watch the performances of King of Fuji music, Kwam 1, 9ice, Small Doctor, CDQ, Eniola Badmus, Taye Currency, Skiibi, Terry Apala, Baseone, Juniorboy Que Peller, who were present at the grand finale amongst several other thrilling performances.
The matches were nothing short of high intensity as the third place match was decided by penalties in which Saki West Rovers defeated Irepo United.
The final match was however won by Iseyin United which defeated Iseyin City to lift the trophy.
The highest goal scorer and most valuable player of the tournament were Ridwan Ayaka (Saki West Rovers) and Azeez Adefabi (Iseyin United) respectively.
Mr Shina Peller, Chairman of Aquila Group of Companies and the chief sponsor of the Peller Unity Cup, in his closing remarks, thanked all dignitaries present, other corporate sponsor, media partners, and promised to continue to support development in Oke-Ogun and the whole Oyo State.
Modupe Gbadeyanka