Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Council of Ekiti State, at the weekend, defeated Oye Council via a 5-4 penalty shootout to win the 2026 Professor Akin Oyebode Football Tournament held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti.

The winners and runners-up in both categories received cash prizes, which, the organisers said, underlined the tournament’s commitment to rewarding excellence and motivating young talent.

Now in its fourth edition, the tournament brought together teams from across Ekiti local councils in both male and female categories, with Ado winning the female title by defeating Oye Council, while Irepodun/Ifelodun claimed third place in that category.

In the male third-place match, Ado Local Council defeated Gbonyin/Aiyekire 3–2.

At the end of the matches, the organisers said that the tournament reflects “a broader philosophy that has consistently shaped Oyebode’s approach to public service; that investing in people is the most durable form of economic infrastructure a society can build.”

Explaining his decision to sponsor the competition, Professor Oyebode said that sports create discipline, build character, and open doors for young people, who might otherwise never be seen. He added that the tournament is built on that conviction, structured competition as a serious entry point for visibility, development, and upward mobility at the grassroots level.

One of the standout performers, Jimoh Kudirat, affirmed that the competition had provided valuable exposure and reinforced her ambitions of pursuing a professional football career internationally.

Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Stephen Aribasoye, who represented Governor Biodun Oyebanji, commended the tournament’s sponsor, Professor Oyebode, who is also the state’s Commissioner for Finance, for his dedication to youth and sports development.

“The tournament has grown steadily in scale and impact since its inception, illustrating how structured, community-led platforms can effectively complement government efforts in identifying, developing and sustaining grassroots talent pipelines,” he said.

In his remarks, Professor Oyebode thanked Governor Oyebanji for his support, while reaffirming the purpose behind the initiative: “Governor Oyebanji and I share a conviction that the most important infrastructure we can build in Ekiti is not roads or buildings, but the confidence and capability of our youth.

“His support for initiatives like this one reflects that. To Jimoh Kudirat and every young talent on that pitch — your dreams are valid, and the world is bigger than this stadium. Keep working.”

He also added that “Sports Development is one of the anchors of the Ekiti Government’s six-point agenda, and the venue where the final was played is a reflection of this promise. In the last 12 months, the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium has undergone significant rehabilitation and enhancement, and this is why people like me are encouraged to continue our personal and family-funded interventions in Sports.”