Sowore Demands Global Action After Marathon Ban in Ekiti
Omoyele Sowore has called for international sanctions against the organisers of the 2026 Ikogosi Marathon and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji after being barred from the race scheduled for Saturday. The organisers said the African Action Congress presidential candidate had registered but was not issued a race bib because of security concerns linked to recent incidents involving him and his associates in the state.
The Ikogosi Marathon Initiative denied that the decision was politically motivated, insisting it was based on documented conduct and its commitment to maintaining a safe, politically neutral sporting environment. Sowore rejected the explanation, accused the organisers, led by Makinde Araoye, of complicity in the attack on him and his team, and urged World Athletics to sanction them and bar them from future events.
The dispute follows an incident in Ado-Ekiti on Friday in which Sowore and members of his team were reportedly injured. While the police described it as an altercation, Sowore insisted they were attacked by armed individuals and demanded an independent investigation. He also threatened legal action against the organisers and the Ekiti State Government.
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