By Sen. Gbolahan Dada
The history of the Yoruba Tennis Club is closely linked with the remarkable legacy of His Royal Highness Oba T.T. Dada, MBE, QMC, FRGS, JP, the Olota of Ota from 1955 to 1992, whose contributions to sports, philanthropy and commerce left an enduring mark on Lagos and Aworiland.
Historical accounts indicate that the land on which the Yoruba Tennis Club stands was donated by Oba T.T. Dada in 1930. At the time, his residence was located directly opposite the club at No. 6 Bore Street, Onikan, Lagos.
During the colonial era, Lagos operated under a system of racial segregation. Onikan represented the furthest part of Lagos Island where Africans were generally permitted to own property and reside, while Ikoyi was largely reserved for Europeans under colonial administration. Only a handful of prominent Nigerian elites were able to acquire landed property in the Onikan and Ikoyi axis. Among them were Chief T.T. Dada, Afun Darosha, J.K. Doherty, Dr. Maja, Chief Ajasa, and a few other distinguished Nigerians.
The establishment of the Yoruba Tennis Club was itself a response to racial exclusion. At the time, the Island Club in Ikoyi admitted only Europeans, leaving African elites without access to similar recreational facilities. This discrimination inspired leading Yoruba professionals, businessmen and community leaders to establish the Yoruba Tennis Club as an indigenous social and sporting institution.
Oba T.T. Dada was one of the club's foundation members and held membership number 33. He later became the club's Life Chairman, a position he occupied until his passing in 1992. Following his death, members of the Yoruba Tennis Club travelled to the Olota's Palace in Ota to pay their last respects to one of the club's foremost benefactors.
Widely regarded as a successful businessman and philanthropist, Oba T.T. Dada reportedly made one of the largest individual financial contributions towards the construction and development of the club's facilities. He also donated the club's first billiards and snooker table, reflecting his passion for sports.
An accomplished tennis and snooker player, the monarch remained an active presence at the club throughout the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. He regularly visited to socialise with fellow members, enjoy lunch and participate in sporting activities before returning to Ota in his white Cadillac or Mercedes-Benz.
Historical records further describe Oba T.T. Dada as one of Lagos' foremost indigenous businessmen of the early 20th century. He served as a sole agent for Benson & Hedges cigarettes and Rally bicycles, enterprises that significantly contributed to his wealth and commercial success. Alongside his close associate, Chief Afun Darosha, he was counted among the leading indigenous entrepreneurs and property owners in Lagos during the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s.
Beyond business, Oba T.T. Dada was recognised for his generosity and commitment to public service. He invested in property across Lagos and was known for supporting charitable causes and community development initiatives.
In 1930, he travelled to England on a business mission to study modern commercial practices. During the visit, he was reportedly invited by his business associates at Benson & Hedges to witness the imperial coronation ceremonies of King George V, an experience that further strengthened his international business relationships. He was also later honoured by the British Royal Family for his distinguished contributions.
Oba T.T. Dada was equally passionate about lawn tennis. Historical accounts state that he was among the players who represented Nigeria at the 1936 Commonwealth tennis competition held in the Gold Coast, now Ghana.
His contributions to public service and society earned him several honours, including the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and the QMC during the 1950s and 1960s.
Those seeking more information on the life and achievements of the late monarch are encouraged to consult the book titled "Otta: A Foremost Aworiland and the Synopsis of Oba T.T. Dada, the Olota of Otta (1955–1992)."
Remembered as a visionary monarch, businessman, sports enthusiast and philanthropist, His Royal Highness Oba T.T. Dada, MBE, QMC, FRGS, JP, remains a respected figure whose contributions to the development of Ota, Lagos and the Yoruba Tennis Club continue to be celebrated.
May his soul continue to rest in peace.
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