Oyinlola, Ileogbo Golf Course And The Benefits Of Golfers By Alli Ibraheem

My presence gave me the certificate to write. Though, not as a golfer but as an observer. My observation last weekend, Saturday 7th February, 2026 at Ileogbo Golf Course rekindled my interest in golf games. Lover of golfer and sole promoter of Ileogbo Golf Course, Engr. Lanre Adeleke, in his usualness, hosted a Golf kitty in honour of the 75th birthday celebration of Prince Oyinlola.

Last Saturday, eminent golfers assembled at Ileogbo Golf Course to celebrate the 75th birthday of one of their distinguished members, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Governor of Osun State. My brief appearance endears me to a golf game. It was a moment filled with funfair friendliness, jolly and jovial talks. It was a moment of excitement, relaxation, merriment, attachment, networking and connection. One other interesting thing is, there is no political and religious sentiment. The bond is real. It can be physically measured by friendnometer.

Presence at the August event held in February were people from all walks of life including traditional rulers, politicians from all classes, justices, religious leaders, athletes, footballers etc. What you cannot get in your family, golfers will do it for themselves.

Last year’s celebration of Oyinlola’s birthday was comparative at Ileogbo Golf Course was comparative. 2026 was superlative. I don’t think no one can be celebrated as such. Golfers pocket their political and religious differences to celebrate a fellow.

In life, not many associations will be as committed as golfers to one another. People travelled from far, afforded flight tickets to identify with and celebrate one of them. The interaction, affinity and understanding are cordial and enviable.

Another interesting feature is, age is not a barrier to joining the Golf Course. This factor has further exposed the simplicity of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as an accessible leader.

The celebration of Oyinlola’s 75th birthday with a golf kitty, the magnitude of love shown and the enthusiasm of golfers has attracted me to join the course. Oyinlola’s recent birthday celebration by Ileogbo Golf Course has attracted my attention to golf.

The Founder and Chairman of Ileogbo Golf Club, Engineer Olanrewaju Adeleke, said the annual golf kitty was introduced to celebrate Prince Oyinlola’s role in the game of golf and his years of public service.

Engineer Adeleke described the celebrant as resourceful, generous, and humble personality, noting that his life and contributions earned him the celebration.

He noted that Ileogbo Golf Club has grown to become the leading golf course in Nigeria in terms of infrastructure and development.
According to him, the club is in its fourth year of implementing a ten-year development plan designed to guide its growth.

“Without sounding immodest, Ileogbo Golf Club is now the best in Nigeria in terms of infrastructure and strategic planning, We intend to improve on that by making it a tourist destination and putting the necessary facilities in place,” he said.

“This is our fourth year into the ten-year development plan, and in the remaining six years, we expect to rank among the best across the world,” Engineer Adeleke added.

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who was visibly happy, thanked the management of Ileogbo Golf Club for organizing the event in his honour.

He described the steady growth of the Ileogbo Golf Club as an important step in sports development, especially in the advancement of golf in Nigeria.

According to him, “prayers don’t win tournaments; quality infrastructure and sound administrative policies are what nurture talents who can make the country proud, and that is what this course represents.”

The former governor said the sense of fellowship in golf makes the game one of the most enjoyable retirement pursuits, adding that he has no plans to stop playing.