The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Dr Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, has urged members of the Yoruba Tennis Club to sustain the spirit of brotherhood, unity and camaraderie that has kept the club together since its establishment a century ago.
The monarch gave the charge at the weekend while responding to the honour bestowed on him during the club’s Centenary Cultural/Traditional Day, held at the Greetings Hall of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos.
The event, part of activities marking the club’s 100th anniversary, was themed “Our Heritage – The Present, the Past and the Future.”
Oba Gbadebo commended the leadership and members for preserving the spirit of brotherhood across generations, urging the current executive to build on the achievements of their predecessors.
He said strengthening the bonds of fellowship and leaving behind a stronger institution would constitute an enduring legacy for generations yet unborn.
The monarch’s charge came as Chairman of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Bro. Chief Olawumi Gasper, mni, reaffirmed the club’s commitment to preserving Yoruba culture, heritage, identity and values as it marked its centenary.
Gasper described the celebration as more than a commemoration of the club’s history, saying it provided an opportunity to celebrate the culture, heritage, leadership and values that had connected generations of members.
According to him, the Yoruba Tennis Club remained an institution built around fellowship, friendship, culture, tradition and excellence, with a history closely connected to the evolution of Lagos and Nigeria.
“It is therefore particularly fitting that, in marking this milestone, we dedicate a day to celebrate the culture and traditions that form an essential part of our identity,” he said.
The chairman described the Alake’s presence as a profound honour to the club, noting that the monarch represented the continuity of Yoruba civilisation, leadership, history, culture and tradition.
He said tradition should not merely be viewed as a means of preserving the past but as a source of wisdom and direction for the present and future.
“Your reign reminds us that tradition is not simply about preserving the past; it is about providing wisdom and direction for the present and the future,” Gasper said.
He noted that the cultural celebration showcased key elements of Yoruba identity, including language, food, music, dance, customs, communal spirit, respect, dignity and responsibility.
Gasper said the club’s history had demonstrated that modernity could be embraced without sacrificing cherished cultural values.
He therefore urged members to use the centenary as an opportunity to draw strength from the club’s heritage while laying a solid foundation for its next century.
The chairman paid tribute to the founders, past chairmen, leaders and elders whose contributions, he said, helped build the institution being celebrated today.
“We stand on the shoulders of our forefathers and distinguished predecessors,” he said, urging members to preserve the principles that had sustained the club for 100 years.
The event featured traditional music, dances, cultural displays and colourful Yoruba attire, providing a vibrant celebration of the heritage the club seeks to preserve. Performances included presentations by the Campos Fanti Group, Lafiaji Fanti Group and the Eyo Ologede.
Traditional prayers were offered for the club by the Head of White Cap Chiefs and Opeluwa of Lagos, His Highness Chief AbdulLateef Aderibigbe Ajose.
Music at the event was supplied by renowned juju musician, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi.
Gasper expressed optimism that the next 100 years of the Yoruba Tennis Club would surpass its first century, assuring that the club would continue to promote Yoruba history, culture and tradition while responding to the demands of the future.
Source: Sports Archives – New Telegraph
