L-R: Special Guest of Honour/ Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Gbadebo; Chairman, Yoruba Tennis Club, Chief Olawumi Gasper; and Vice-Chairman, Yoruba Tennis Club, Mr Babatunde Sobamowo, during the Yoruba Tennis Club Centenary Traditional Day in Lagos… on Friday
---As Chairman Gasper reaffirms commitment to culture, heritage, enduring values
By Kayode Olopade
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, 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 remained the foundation of the club since its establishment 100 years 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, which formed 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 of the club for preserving the spirit of brotherhood that had sustained the institution across generations.
He urged the current executive to build on the achievements of their predecessors and further strengthen the bonds of fellowship, noting that their ability to leave a stronger institution would constitute an enduring legacy for generations yet unborn.
The monarch’s remarks came as the Chairman of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Bro. Chief Olawumi Gasper, mni, reaffirmed the club’s commitment to preserving Yoruba culture, heritage, identity and enduring values as it celebrates a century of existence.
Gasper, in his opening remarks, described the centenary celebration as more than a commemoration of the club’s history, saying it was an opportunity to celebrate the culture, heritage, identity, leadership and values that had connected generations of members.
According to him, the milestone offered members and guests an opportunity to reflect on the importance of institutions that preserve cherished values while adapting to the changing realities of society.
He described the Yoruba Tennis Club as an institution of fellowship, friendship, culture, tradition and excellence, whose history was closely connected with 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.
Gasper described the presence of the Alake at the celebration as a profound honour to the club, stressing that the monarch symbolised the continuity of Yoruba civilisation, leadership, history, culture and tradition.
He said tradition should not be regarded merely 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,” he said.
The Chairman noted that the cultural celebration also provided an opportunity to showcase important elements of Yoruba identity, including language, food, music, dance, customs, communal spirit, respect, humanity, dignity and responsibility.
He said successive generations of members had demonstrated over the past century that modernity could be embraced without sacrificing cherished cultural values.
Gasper therefore described the centenary not as an occasion for nostalgic reflection alone, but as an opportunity to draw strength from the club’s heritage while laying a solid foundation for its next century.
He paid tribute to the founders, past chairmen, leaders and elders of the club, whose sacrifices and contributions, he said, had 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 values and principles that had kept the club vibrant for 100 years.
The celebration featured music, traditional dance, cultural displays, colourful Yoruba attire and conviviality, reflecting the richness of the heritage the club seeks to preserve.
Gasper expressed optimism that the next 100 years of the Yoruba Tennis Club would be greater than the first, while calling on members to keep its fellowship strong, traditions vibrant and values relevant to future generations.
He assured that the club would continue to play a leading role in the preservation and promotion of Yoruba history, culture and tradition while remaining responsive to the opportunities and challenges of the future.
The occasion featured cultural displays by the Campos Fanti Group, Lafiaji Fanti Group and the Eyo Ologede.
Traditional prayers were also offered for the club by the Head of White Cap Chiefs, the Opeluwa of Lagos, His Highness Chief AbdulLateef Aderibigbe Ajose.
Music was supplied by renown juju musician, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi.
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