Why I Travel To Watch Matches – Monarch

A traditional ruler, Oba Olusola Lamidi-Osolo, has explained the reason he attends football matches across the country alongside his council of chiefs. The monarch said his passion for the game and the desire to inspire the younger generation in his community remain the major motivations behind the gesture. Speaking with Daily Trust, the traditional ruler […]

A traditional ruler, Oba Olusola Lamidi-Osolo, has explained the reason he attends football matches across the country alongside his council of chiefs.

The monarch said his passion for the game and the desire to inspire the younger generation in his community remain the major motivations behind the gesture.

Speaking with Daily Trust, the traditional ruler who is the Olofin Adimula of Ado-Odo in Ogun State, said football has always been part of his life.

He said he sees the sport as a unifying force that brings joy, peace, and pride to the people.

He recalled that his love for the game dates back to his school days when he played for Lagos State Polytechnic during the polytechnic games before ascending the throne.

“For a Kabiyesi to travel far to attend a football match signifies a deep love for the sport. I played football while in school, and even now as a traditional ruler, I still follow the game closely”, he said.

The royal father said attending matches with his chiefs has become a tradition in Ado-Odo, adding that the experience strengthens communal unity and encourages young people to see sports as a pathway to success.

He noted that his presence at stadiums also serves as moral support for his daughter, Olabiyi Falajomi Alabi, a player in the national U-20 women’s team, who recently impressed in Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Rwanda in Ibadan.

“We take pride in Alaba’s achievement. Watching her play and seeing the team win brings happiness not only to me but to the entire Ado-Odo community”, the monarch said.

Oba Adimula emphasised that football has continued to play a vital role in promoting togetherness and relaxation, noting that he supports Gateway United FC as his home state team and follows both local and international matches with keen interest.

He encouraged more traditional rulers and community leaders to show interest in sports, saying their participation and encouragement can help nurture future talents and promote national unity.