Crosscreek Golf Club Ilado Honours Legal Icon, Justice Lambo Akanbi (Rtd), with Grand Tournament and Unveils Iconic ‘Avocado Hole’
In a celebration of legacy, sportsmanship, and community, the Crosscreek Golf Club Ilado hosted a grand tournament in honour of the distinguished jurist, Justice Lambo Akanbi (Rtd), applauding his meritorious service to the nation and humanity.
The event drew over a hundred golfers from across Nigeria, with a special turnout from Ilorin Golf Club, where Justice Akanbi is fondly regarded as a founding father. The highlight of the tournament was the unveiling of the club’s newly christened “Avocado Hole 12”—a one-of-a-kind par-3 challenge featuring a bunker within the green, the first of its kind in Nigeria. Measuring 133 meters with a stroke index of 4, the hole adds a unique flair to the Crosscreek course.
Honourable Justice Lambo J. Akanbi (Rtd) is a distinguished jurist, legal scholar, and public servant whose legacy in Nigeria’s judicial, academic and civic landscapes spans over four decades. Born on the 18th of September, 1951, in Arogunjo/Atere Village, Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Justice Akanbi has remained a steadfast example of dedication, humility, and legal excellence.
His legacy of integrity and service was celebrated in both speeches and spirit, as participants teed off to honour a man whose impact transcends legal boundaries.
Speaking at the event, Ben Agbi, the National Secretary of the Nigerian Golf Federation, lauded the initiative and noted the generous contributions made by Justice Akanbi, including the donation of golf trophies for the tournament. He also took the opportunity to debunk the misconception that golf is exclusive to the wealthy, stating: “Golf offers immense health and social benefits to everyone.”
He cited a remarkable anecdote: “When former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon went to London for treatment, doctors advised him to return to Nigeria and take up golf. Today, he is thriving as an active member of the IBB Golf Club.”
Barrister Olusola Abidakun, the visionary founder of Crosscreek Golf Club, emphasized that the club was established to showcase the rich tourism potential of Ondo State while fostering wellness through golf. “This course was built to create an enabling environment, promote health, and provide a legacy space for future generations,” he said.
In a solemn moment of remembrance, Barr. Abidakun acknowledged the passing of a club member, Olukayode Daisi. Players wore black armbands in his memory.
Adding gravitas to the occasion, the Captain of Crosscreek, Pastor Isaac Isedowo, reflected on the dedication of the “Avocado Hole 12” to Justice Akanbi. He praised the club’s ongoing efforts, including a Youth Golf Academy currently training 24 children—some on scholarships—and the upcoming hosting of the Ladies Golfers Association of Nigeria’s 10th Western Zone Championship in August 2025.
The tournament also witnessed encouragement from Hon. Tayo Abidakun JAJA, Ondo State Chairman of the Nigerian Golf Federation, and the Zonal President of the Female Golfers Association of Nigeria, who cheered the participants and commended the club’s commitment to gender-inclusive sporting excellence.
Over 200 female golfers participated in the day’s events, highlighting the growing inclusivity and vibrancy of golf in the region.
In an emotional closing remark, Justice Lambo Akanbi expressed his heartfelt gratitude: “I am truly honored to be celebrated in such a remarkable way. At my age, the motivation to continue playing golf comes from the joy, health, and community it brings.”
He lauded the founder, Barr. Abidakun, for his unwavering dedication, calling the project a “monumental legacy for Ondo State and Nigerian golf.”
With trophies awarded, memories made, and history written, the Crosscreek Golf Club Ilado reaffirmed its place not just as a golf course—but as a growing cultural and sporting beacon in Nigeria.
THE MAN HONOURABLE JUSTICE LAMBO J. AKANBI (RTD) IN BRIEF
The Honourable Justice Lambo J. Akanbi (Rtd) is a distinguished jurist, legal scholar, and public servant whose legacy in Nigeria’s judicial, academic and civic landscapes spans over four decades. Born on the 18th of September, 1951, in Arogunjo/Atere Village, Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, Justice Akanbi has remained a steadfast example of dedication, humility, and legal excellence.
He began his educational journey at Okelele Primary School, Ilorin (1960–1964), and continued at Okesuma Senior Primary School, Ilorin (1964–1967). His early academic pursuits took him to Apata Commercial College in Jos and then to the Secondary Commercial School in Eruku (1972–1975). A proud alumnus of the Kwara State College of Technology, Ilorin (1975–1977), he went on to obtain his LL.B (Hons), Second Class Upper Division, from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1980. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981 after excelling at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, where he earned another Second Class Upper and received the prestigious Prince Bola Ajibola Award for excellence in Civil Procedure Law.
Justice Akanbi served his National Youth Service as a Legal Aid Counsel in both Oyo and Kwara States in 1981. His early career was rooted in legal practice and academia. He began as Pupil Counsel at SARAA Chambers under Alhaji Alarape Aliyu Salman (SAN), before joining Kwara State Polytechnic as a lecturer in Criminal and Civil Procedure (1983–1987). He was chairman of the NBA Ilorin branch 1993-1995. A respected legal educator, he later served as an Associate Lecturer in Intellectual Property Law at the University of Ilorin (1997–1999) and in Constitutional Law at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (2015).
In 2000, he was appointed as a Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, a position he has held with distinction. He has served as Resident Judge in both the Sokoto and Akure Divisions, presiding over critical cases with fairness and depth of jurisprudential insight.
Justice Akanbi’s public service extends well beyond the courtroom. He has held numerous leadership roles including:
Honourable Commissioner for Information and Culture (1989–1990),
Commissioner for Social Development, Youth and Sports (1990–1991),
and Commissioner for Education (1991), also supervising Youth and Sports.
He chaired the Kwara State Probe Committee into the affairs of the state-owned newspaper (The Herald), was a key member of the State’s Transition to Civil Rule Committee, and played a pioneering role in the establishment of Africa’s first Baseball and Softball Complex. His civic contributions include leadership positions in youth and sports development, electoral tribunal panels across Nigeria, and financial oversight roles such as Chairmanship of the Board of Afonja Community Bank (now Oja-Iya Community Bank).
Justice Akanbi has also made significant intellectual contributions through numerous public lectures and symposia. These include addresses at national seminars on drug abuse, legal transitions, and the relationship between the bar and bench. He is a life patron of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) and a trustee of the Adisa Bakare Educational Endowment Fund since 1997.
His commitment to justice, youth empowerment, education, and community development makes him a role model for aspiring jurists and public leaders. Known for his calm demeanor, intellectual clarity, and unshakable integrity, Hon. Justice Lambo J. Akanbi is a venerable beacon in Nigeria’s judicial system.
He is happily married and blessed with children. In moments of leisure, he enjoys golf and reading; pursuits he has cherished both in active service and in retirement.