Marathon Race and Ram Competition Draw Large Crowds on Day 3 of Lidero Festival

By:Bamgbose Adedamola

The third day of the festivities commenced with the highly anticipated Marathon Race held at the palace grounds in Sagamu. His Royal Highness, Oba Musiliu Oriyomi Soile, the Radanuwa of Idado, warmly addressed the 65 athletes gathered to compete. In his speech, he expressed gratitude for their participation, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and determination in both sport and life. He encouraged the athletes by affirming, “All of you are winners.”

The marathon route started from Idado Palace, winding through key local landmarks including Hospital Road, Isale Oko, Sabo Bridge, and Remo Divisional High School before returning to the palace grounds. The event attracted a diverse group of runners, and the competition was fierce. In the male category, Alli Muhammad emerged as the winner, closely followed by Adebayo Babatunde and Jude Emmanuel in second and third place respectively. In the female category, Yusuf Sofiat took first place, with Sunday Blessing and Talabi Kehinde placing second and third. Winners were presented with cash prizes and trophies, recognizing their impressive performances. Ogun State marathon coach, Wale Akinsanya, commended the athletes for their discipline, stamina, and sportsmanship, noting the event’s success as a showcase of local talent.

Later in the afternoon, the focus shifted to St. Paul School, Ayepe Road, for the Ram Competition — a traditional event celebrated widely in the community.These rams were matched in contests testing their strength and agility, with each encounter met by enthusiastic cheers from the audience. The Chairman of the Day opened the event with a speech thanking God for the smooth organization and praising the leadership of Oba Musiliu Oriyomi Soile for his role in preserving and promoting local customs.

The competition attracted a large gathering of chiefs, elders, community leaders, and residents, who came together to celebrate this rich cultural heritage. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with chants, laughter, and the spirited excitement of each contest. Beyond entertainment, the Ram Competition served as a vital reminder of community unity, respect for tradition, and the enduring spirit of the people of Idado.