Ondo State at 49: A Footballing Legacy

Ondo State at 49: A Footballing Legacy

By Sunday Ajibola

Ondo State marked its 49th anniversary on Monday. How time flies! If it were a human being, it would be an adult by now—perhaps with a family, children, and even grandchildren.

When the late General Murtala Muhammed's short-lived but eventful regime announced the creation of Ondo State, the news was met with jubilation. The elderly, who understood the significance of this development, rejoiced, while we, the younger ones, eagerly joined in the celebrations. Ondo State was carved out of the defunct Western Region, along with Ogun and Oyo States, which were also created on the same day.

Looking back, Ondo State started on a strong footing. Many people from Oyo, Ilorin, and Abeokuta chose to make it their home, drawn by the opportunities in the newly created state. Even some expatriates were not left out. Ondo was like a young, untouched land, full of promise for all who sought to grow. In various sectors—agriculture, education, health, and sports—the state made significant progress.
Among these, one particular area captured my heart from the beginning—football, famously referred to as "the beautiful game" by one of its greatest players, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as PELE.

Housing Corporation Football Club

One of my most vivid memories from that era is the establishment of Housing Corporation Football Club, known as IJAPO BUILDERS by Prince Ademola Adesida. Upon his redeployment from Housing Ibadan, where the Bodija Bombers club thrived, he wasted no time in forming a team in Ondo State. Notably, the late midfield maestro Mudasiru Babatunde Lawal (Muda Lawal) began his football journey at Housing Corporation Ibadan.
Football was a huge attraction for young people like me. Housing Corporation FC was a diverse team, featuring players from different ethnic backgrounds. I found myself mingling with Emeka Akabueze (whose son later became a footballer), Kofi, the agile Ghanaian goalkeeper, and Matthew.
Within two years, Housing Corporation FC had earned a place in Division One of the National League. Akure foptball enthusiasts witnessed some of Nigeria’s finest footballers gracing the Akure Stadium pitch. Green Eagles (later renamed Super Eagles) stars such as Emmanuel Okala, Best Ogedegbe, Segun Odegbami, Stephen Keshi, Christian Chukwu, Baba Otu Mohammed, Kadiri Ikhana, David Adiele, Martins Onwuahi, Felix Owolabi, Adokiye Amasiemaka, Henry Ogboe, Tunde Bamidele, Alloy Atuegbu, and Okey Isima, representing top clubs like IICC Shooting Stars, Enugu Rangers, Bendel Insurance, Raccah Rovers, and Mighty Jets, clashed with the Ijapo Builders in the Stadium. One standout player from Housing Corporation FC was Shina James, a talented winger who frequently received call-ups to the national camp. Each time he returned, he was sharper and more dangerous to opposition defenders.
In 1979, I watched my first live match at Akure Stadium—a clash between Housing Corporation FC and IICC Shooting Stars. The stadium was packed, with Shooting Stars parading their full-strength squad in their signature blue-and-white kits, looking like football gods. The match ended 1-0 in favor of the Ibadan team, with Mathematical Segun Odegbami scoring the loan goal. That same year, Bendel Insurance defeated Housing Corporation FC 2-0 in Akure. In 1980, giant Emmanuel Okala cannot forget when Shina James brilliantly dribbled him to score a delightful goal. The Akure-based team was able to defeat all these teams in some of the in duels. Housing continued to waltz strong in the league until 1984 when the military struck and turned everything upside down.
Some notable players of the Akure-based team who excelled were goalkeeper Seidu, lawyer Remi Oguntimoju, Obido, Ademola Johnson, Sola Omowale and Ajibade Babalade. Over time, several Housing players moved on to Shooting Stars and Bendel Insurance as well as the Super Eagles
Over time, several of Housing players moved on to Shooting Stars, Bendel Insurance and Rangers. Even , a few played for the Flying Eagles and the Super Eagles

The Investcorp Lions

By 1981, Akure had a growing football scene, with clubs such as Housing Corporation FC, Works Rangers, Water Corporation FC, NEPA FC, and Investcorp Lions. Among them, Investcorp Lions became Housing's fiercest rivals.
In 1982, Investcorp Lions brought home Ondo State’s first major national football trophy—the CBN Governor’s Cup. This competition, open to banks and financial institutions nationwide, was highly prestigious. In the final, Investcorp Lions stunned the formidable New Nigeria Bank (NNB) of Benin, which boasted national team players like Stephen Keshi, Moses Effiong, and Henry Nwosu. The Lions triumphed 2-1 at the National Stadium in Lagos, with stars such as Siji Lagunju, Zion Ogunfeyinmi, and the Odebunmi twin brothers shining brightly.
The legendary radio commentator Ernest Okonkwo, awed by their performance, remarked, "Siji Lagunju, whom I have a lot of respect for today."
One of the most thrilling matches I ever witnessed was between Leventis United and Investcorp Lions in the National League Division 3 in 1983. What a spectacle it was! The tireless, diminutive right full back, John Benson was ubiquitous as usual. Also, Leotis Boateng coordinated the Leventis defence with the dexterity of an Army General, ensuring that Siji Lagunju did not spoil their day. The match ended goaless. Back then, government agencies, not state governments, owned and managed football clubs—a stark contrast to today's setup.
Ondo State’s footballing history is rich, and its early years were full of promise. While much has changed over the decades, those golden days of local football remain unforgettable