Sowore Seeks International Sanctions Against Ekiti Governor, Ikogosi Marathon Organisers After Disqualification.

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called for international sanctions against Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and organisers of the Ikogosi Marathon following his disqualification from the 2026 edition of the sporting event.

Sowore, who had registered to participate in the 2026 Ikogosi 17.5 kilometre race scheduled for Saturday, October 31, accused the marathon organisers of complicity in the violent attack on him and members of his entourage in Ado Ekiti on Friday.

The activist also called on World Athletics, the international governing body for athletics, to investigate the organisers, led by Makinde Araoye, and consider sanctioning them, including barring them from organizing or participating in future international sporting events.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Sowore described the organisers’ decision to exclude him as troubling, alleging that their actions were connected to the attack on him and his associates.

He further demanded international sanctions against Governor Oyebanji and other individuals he accused of involvement in the incident or facilitating the alleged attack.

Sowore maintained that sporting events should remain spaces for peaceful participation, unity and healthy competition rather than becoming platforms for intimidation and political violence.

He also threatened to pursue legal action against the Ekiti State Government and the marathon organisers, both within Nigeria and internationally, while demanding an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Marathon Organisers Explain Sowore’s Disqualification

The controversy followed a statement by the management of the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative announcing that Sowore would not be permitted to participate in the 2026 competition.

According to the organisers, although the activist had registered for the race, he was neither issued a race bib nor cleared to participate.

They attributed the decision to documented conduct and security considerations, insisting that it was not connected to his political affiliation, beliefs or political aspirations.

The organisers added that Sowore’s eligibility for future editions would be subject to further review in accordance with the event’s participation standards and security requirements.

They maintained that the marathon remained open to participants from different backgrounds who complied with its rules and upheld peaceful sporting engagement.

Background to the Attack in Ado Ekiti

Sowore’s exclusion came a day after he and members of his entourage reportedly sustained injuries following an incident at a restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado Ekiti.

The activist alleged that suspected political thugs attacked his team shortly after he concluded an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in the state capital.

He also accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) of trailing and harassing his entourage before the incident, alleging that information provided by the operatives helped the attackers locate them.

However, the Ekiti State Police Command offered a different account, describing the incident as an altercation between Sowore and some unidentified individuals.

The police said officers responded to a distress call, rescued those affected and ensured they received medical attention at the Police Cottage Hospital in Ado Ekiti.

The command subsequently confirmed that Sowore had been discharged from the hospital and returned to Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort.

Police spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, also disclosed that Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Michael, had ordered an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those involved.

The command further stated that Sowore had not formally notified it of his arrival and movements in Ekiti State, arguing that prior notification would have helped facilitate adequate security arrangements.

Sowore, however, rejected the police characterisation of the incident, insisting that he and his associates were attacked rather than involved in an ordinary altercation.

As of Saturday, October 31, the DSS had not publicly responded to Sowore’s allegations.

The dispute has now extended beyond the reported attack, raising questions about security, political participation and the responsibilities of organisers of public sporting events.

Whether World Athletics will respond to Sowore’s demand for sanctions remains unclear.