Obituary: Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju

The ITF is saddened by the passing of Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju, President of the Nigerian Tennis Federation.  

Ifedayo Akindoju served as President of the Nigerian Tennis Federation from 2017 and was elected Vice President of the Confederation of African Tennis in 2023, serving as General Treasurer since 2024. Akindoju also held leadership positions as Chairman of the FCT Tennis Association and the Abuja Country Club since 2015.

During his tenure, Nigerian tennis witnessed renewed energy and visibility, with a focus on professional tennis events such as the VEMP Open, DavNotch Open and Rainoli National Tennis Championships.

Akindoju personally sponsored the Dayak Open which provided professional tennis opportunities for able-bodied and wheelchair tennis players for four years. "We want the world to know we are capable of hosting higher level of tennis in Abuja and Nigeria," said Akindoju. 

Akindoju also supported grassroot initiatives such as the Tswako Foundation, which promoted access to tennis while at the same time provided tennis clothing and equipment.

His impact was also felt away from the courts and through his chairmanship of the Nigerian Hospitality House Project (2017-2019), which advanced youth and sports development.

Under his presidency of the Nigerian Tennis Federation, Nigeria returned to Davis Cup World Group III and delivered ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors events.

In addition to his visionary leadership and commitment to tennis development, Akindoju will be remembered as an individual of integrity and strong values, a gentleman and greatly respected member of the ITF global community.