By Solomon Nwoke
Smokin Hills Golf Resort, Ilara-mokin, Ondo state arguably the number one international golf course in Nigeria plans to host the first edition of Royal Golf Tournament for Traditional rulers in March 24th to 28th , 2016

According to Prince Bayo Aderinto, Marketing and Promotions Manager, the event is in line with the vision of Chief Michael Ade.Ojo OON, Founder of the resort & Elizade Nigera Ltd, to use golf as veritable tool for national unity and development.

He confirmed that the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Saad Abubakar IV has accepted to be the Royal Guest of Honour, while HRM Oba Samuel Adewole, Alara of Ilara Mokin and Ajero of Ijero would be the Royal hosts.

Top golfing traditional rulers expected at the occasion are: HRM Oba Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu II (Alake of Egba Land), HRM Alh. Najib Hussin Adamu (Emir of Kazaure, Jigawa State), HRM Alh. Muhammadu Nuhu Sanusi (Emir of Dutse, Jigawa State), HRM Alh. Zubairu Mai Gwari (Emir of Birnin Gwari, Kaduna), HRM Alh. Auwal Ibrahim (Emir of Suleja),HRM Alh. Adamu Maje Haruna (Emir of Hadejia, Jigawa State)

Also expected to partake in the Royal Tournament include HRH Dr Patrick Acholonu, the Igwe of Orlu, King Alfred Diette Spiff – The Amanyanabo of Twon Bras, the Obi of Onitsha, HRH Alfred Achebe, Ugo Obi Ralph Ekezie, HRM Oba  Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi the Ooni of Ife, Eze G.C. Adikwu of Imo state among many others.

Smokin Hills Golf Resort, Ilara-mokin is the largest privately owned sporting facility in Nigeria and among the top three golf courses in Africa.

“ All I can say at this point In time is that the sky will be too near in future for Smokin Hills because it has continued to position itself with tournaments of this nature and the next destination is to invite famous golfers like Tiger Woods, McRoy and many others to come”, said Prince Aderinto adding that, ever   since it was opened in 2010, it has hosted a lot of major golf tournaments such as Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo Memorial Golf Tournament, CMCL Golf Championships, NAPE Golf Tournament and attracted over 500 amateur and professional golfers with diverse business interests from all over Nigeria and abroad.

Various companies and multinationals have already shown interest to sponsor this epoch making event.