The Federal High Court, Ibadan Division, has won the second edition of the Hon. Justice Benedict Kanyip Table Tennis Tournament in Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the tournament was organised by the National Industrial Court, Ibadan Division, in honour of Justice Benedict Kanyip, President, National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).
The participating teams in the tournament include the National Industrial Court, Ibadan; Federal High Court, Ibadan; Court of Appeal, Ibadan, and the Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal.
Michael Ajiboye of the Federal High Court came first, while the second and third positions were won by Muyiwa Faramaye and Olaitan Kolawole, both of the National Industrial Court, Ibadan.
NAN reports that the winners were presented with trophies, medals and cash.
Earlier, the Presiding Judge, NICN, Ibadan Division, Justice Dele Peters, had said that the tournament was beyond a sporting event.
He said it was a celebration of leadership, excellence and spirit of unity in the NICN and the entire Oyo State Judiciary.
Peters said that the tournament was to appreciate Kanyip’s leadership, whose commitment to justice, fairness, and institutional development had strengthened NICN and enhanced confidence in the judicial system.
“Under his lordship’s stewardship, the court has strengthened its reputation as a bastion of fairness, efficiency and innovation in the administration of labour and employment justice in Nigeria,” he said.
Peters said sports, particularly table tennis, offer them a meaningful metaphor for justice and leadership.
He described table tennis as a sport of precision, agility, strategy and mental discipline.
According to him, these qualities are required for pursuing justice.
“Every serve in table tennis demands focus; every return requires balance; every rally teaches resilience, and in many ways, the game reflects the values that guide the National Industrial Court,” the judge said.
According to him, the tournament serves as a reminder that behind the robes and judgment are individuals who value wellness, camaraderie, and the spirit of shared humanity.
“As we honour the NICN President with this tournament, we also honour a culture of teamwork and healthy engagement within the judiciary and the wider legal community,” he said.
He applauded Kanyip for his exemplary leadership, for creating an enabling environment for the event to take place and for donating a new outdoor standard table tennis table for the division.
The NICN President, represented by Justice M. Namtari of NICN, Kano Division, commended NICN, Ibadan Division, for organising the tournament.
Kanyip, however, urged that the tournament be expanded to include judges’ participation.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr Abiodun Aikomo (SAN), said judges and everyone in the Nigerian judicial system have important roles to play.
He recognised the importance of physical exercise and its great benefits to the body.
Other speakers include Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Justice S. A. Oyediran, and Mr Ibrahim Lawal, the Ibadan Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
