SOWORE DEMANDS INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS AGAINST EKITI GOVERNOR OYEBANJI, IKOGOSI MARATHON ORGANISERS OVER ALLEGED ATTACK

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, accusing them of complicity in an alleged plot to attack him and members of his campaign team.

Sowore made the demand on Saturday, October 31, 2026, following the attack on him and his associates in Ado-Ekiti on Friday and a subsequent decision by the organisers of the 2026 Ikogosi Marathon to disqualify him from participating in the sporting event.

The activist had registered for the 17.5-kilometre Ikogosi Marathon scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 31. However, the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative announced that he would not be permitted to participate, despite having registered for the competition.

In a statement dated October 31, the organisers said Sowore had neither been issued a race bib number nor cleared to participate in the event.

They explained that the decision followed a review of what they described as independently obtained and verifiable evidence involving activities by Sowore and his associates within the marathon’s office premises and other locations in Ekiti State.

According to the organisers, their assessment raised security concerns that they considered inconsistent with their responsibility to provide a peaceful sporting environment for participants, officials, volunteers and spectators.

The initiative also maintained that its decision was based on documented conduct and security considerations rather than Sowore’s political affiliation, beliefs or presidential ambition.

It added that his eligibility for future editions of the competition would be reviewed in accordance with its participation standards and security requirements.

Reacting to the decision, Sowore described the organisers’ statement as self-indicting and accused them of being complicit in what he characterised as a deadly assassination plot against him and members of his team.

He called on World Athletics, the international governing body for athletics, to immediately investigate the organisers and impose sanctions against those he accused of facilitating or participating in the alleged attack.

Sowore specifically demanded that the organisers, led by Makinde Araoye, be blacklisted from organising or participating in future international sporting events.

He also called for international sanctions against Governor Oyebanji, alleging that the state government and marathon organisers were involved in the attack or efforts to facilitate it.

“Sporting events must never become hunting grounds for political thugs, government-sponsored violence, intimidation, or assassination,” Sowore stated.

The AAC presidential candidate argued that sporting competitions should provide safe and neutral environments where individuals can participate regardless of their political beliefs or affiliations.

He maintained that runners and other participants must be guaranteed protection from intimidation, violence and political interference.

Sowore further announced plans to pursue legal action against the marathon organisers and the Ekiti State Government over what he described as conduct that endangered lives and violated the principles of sportsmanship and human dignity.

He demanded a thorough and independent investigation to establish whether the organisers or any government officials had roles in the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The controversy followed Friday’s confrontation at Tawakalitu Restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti, where Sowore and members of his entourage reportedly sustained injuries after armed men attacked them.

The activist had initially raised the alarm on social media, alleging that the attackers were connected to the Ekiti State Government House and claiming that they received operational support from the Department of State Services (DSS). These allegations have not been independently established.

The Ekiti State Police Command subsequently confirmed that Sowore was involved in an incident at the restaurant, although it initially described the development as an altercation. The police said officers responded to a distress call, rescued him and took him to a hospital for medical attention.

The command later announced the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the incident. Items reportedly recovered from them included two walkie-talkies, 13 mobile phones, ATM cards, international passports and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.

However, Sowore questioned whether the arrests would lead to the identification of those who allegedly organised the attack. He demanded that the investigation extend beyond the individuals arrested to establish whether other people coordinated or financed the incident.

The marathon organisers’ decision to exclude him from the race added another dimension to the controversy, particularly because the announcement came after the reported confrontation that left him and members of his team injured.

The Ekiti State Government, in a statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, rejected Sowore’s allegations and completely disassociated itself from the incident.

The government called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice. It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and safety of residents and visitors irrespective of their political affiliations.

The organisers, meanwhile, maintained that their exclusion of Sowore was based on security considerations and not political discrimination. They insisted that the marathon remained open to participants from different backgrounds who complied with its rules.

The disagreement has raised questions about the relationship between sporting organisations, political activities and public security, particularly where participants accuse event organisers or government authorities of interfering with their rights.

While Sowore has demanded international sanctions and threatened legal action, the allegations against Governor Oyebanji and the marathon organisers remain accusations that require independent investigation and supporting evidence.

The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the restaurant attack, determine the roles of the arrested suspects and examine any additional evidence relating to the allegations made by the AAC presidential candidate.

Street News Reporters will continue to monitor the dispute, including responses from World Athletics, the Ekiti State Government, the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative and the outcome of the police investigation into the attack on Omoyele Sowore.