In a bold stride towards cultural revitalization and international sports tourism, the Abeokuta Polo Club is set to host the groundbreaking ceremony of its landmark Legacy Project on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 10:00am, at the expansive site of the Abeokuta Polo Club and Resort, located along the Abeokuta–Shagamu Expressway in Kobape, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The occasion is expected to gather high-profile traditional rulers, government officials, and sport enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking during a press conference held on Wednesday in Abeokuta, the President of the Abeokuta Polo Club, Dr. Sheriff Adams, described the initiative as a long-envisioned dream finally taking shape, with a promise to redefine the socio-cultural and sporting landscape of Ogun State.
“This is more than just a polo club—it’s a fully integrated city, we’re building a destination that will serve as a hub for polo lovers worldwide, while also promoting arts, culture, tourism, and youth development in our state,” Adams said.
The Legacy Project will span over 100 acres of land and will feature 17 acres dedicated to polo games, alongside modern equestrian facilities, a resort estate, an arts and culture center, royal courts, an amphitheatre, a trauma center, and preserved green areas.
Dr. Adams noted that the entire development was designed not just for sport, but as a cultural statement and economic driver.
According to him, “This project will attract global tournaments and serve as a major tourism anchor, especially along the Sagamu-Abeokuta corridor. We are thankful to the Ogun State government for providing an ecosystem that makes ambitious projects like this possible.”
He emphasized that the Polo Club is also investing in youth engagement through the launch of polo clinics across schools, as part of a broader succession plan to ensure continuity and inclusiveness.
“We want to introduce more young people to polo. It’s time to make the game accessible and relevant to the next generation,” he added.
Also speaking, Chief Dr. Abiodun Lasile, Chairman of the Groundbreaking Committee and Orunto Baalufe of Owu Kingdom, echoed the vision behind the project.
“We’ve started this journey since the Lisabi Festival, where we showcased beautiful horses to the public, we’ve paid visits to royal fathers and institutional leaders because this is a cultural rebirth as much as it is a sports initiative,” he said.
He disclosed that a portion of the development, specifically the arts and culture center, will be named in honor of Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, a son of Ogun State whose legacy in literature and culture remains globally celebrated.
Lasile added, “Polo is a royal game—what we call the game of kings. So it is only fitting that this project enjoys the blessings of our revered monarchs and the involvement of cultural icons.”
The groundbreaking event will be chaired by His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, with other traditional rulers such as Oba (Dr.) Adewale Adedapo Tejuoso, CON, the Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, and Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, FNSE, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, also expected to grace the historic occasion.
Adding his voice, Musa Sunday, Director of Sales at AA Entertainment and Hotel, stated that the facility is proud to support the Polo Club’s vision.
“This will positively disrupt the tourism landscape of Ogun State. We commend the leadership of the Polo Club for this visionary step,” he said.
