Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has demanded international sanctions against Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and organisers of the Ikogosi Marathon after being barred from participating in the 2026 edition. The organisers announced his exclusion on Saturday, October 31, citing security concerns surrounding recent incidents involving the activist and his associates in Ekiti State.

The Ikogosi Marathon Initiative disclosed that although Sowore registered for the 17.5-kilometre race, he was neither issued a race bib nor cleared to participate. The organisers said their decision followed a review of evidence concerning activities allegedly involving Sowore and his associates at the organisation's premises and other locations. They denied political interference, maintaining that the exclusion was based on security considerations and the need to preserve a peaceful sporting environment.

Reacting through his social media account, Sowore accused the organisers, led by Makinde Araoye, of involvement in an alleged attack on him and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti on Friday. He called on World Athletics, the international governing body for athletics, to investigate the incident, sanction the organisers and prevent them from hosting future sporting competitions. He also demanded international sanctions against Governor Oyebanji and threatened legal action against the organisers and the Ekiti State Government.

The controversy followed an incident on Friday, October 30, during which Sowore and members of his team were reportedly injured in Ado-Ekiti. The Ekiti State Police Command described the incident as an altercation and confirmed that Sowore received medical attention. However, the activist disputed the police account, alleging that armed individuals attacked his team and threatened his life. The circumstances of the incident and the allegations against the organisers and state government remain contested.

The marathon organisers maintained that the competition remained open to participants from different political and social backgrounds, provided they complied with established rules. They also reiterated their longstanding policy against using sporting activities for political campaigns or partisan demonstrations. Sowore, meanwhile, insisted on an independent investigation and accountability for those responsible for the alleged attack, as the dispute raises questions about participant safety and political neutrality in sporting events.

Filed under #Omoyele Sowore #Ikogosi Marathon #Ekiti State #Biodun Oyebanji #AAC #World Athletics #Ado-Ekiti #Political News #Marathon #Nigeria News

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Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has demanded international sanctions against Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the Ikogosi Marathon organisers after being excluded from the 2026 race over alleged security concerns. Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has demanded international sanctions against Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and organisers of the Ikogosi Marathon...

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Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has demanded international sanctions against Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the Ikogosi Marathon organisers after being excluded from the 2026 race over alleged security concerns.
Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has demanded international sanctions against Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and organisers of the Ikogosi Marathon after being barred from participating in the 2026 edition.
The organisers announced his exclusion on Saturday, October 31, citing security concerns surrounding recent incidents involving the activist and his associates in Ekiti State.The Ikogosi Marathon Initiative disclosed that although Sowore registered for the 17.5-kilometre race, he was neither issued a race bib nor cleared to participate.

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Glow 99.1 FM published this story with OYEBODE OLUWAFEMI EMMANUEL listed as author.

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October 31, 2026

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has demanded international sanctions against Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the Ikogosi Marathon organisers after being excluded from the 2026 race over alleged security concerns.

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