By Iroyin Yoruba Television
IKOGOSI, EKITI STATE — October 31, 2026
African Action Congress presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore has demanded an investigation into his exclusion from the 2026 Ikogosi Marathon in Ekiti State, accusing the event organisers and state authorities of failing to protect him and members of his team.
The dispute emerged on Saturday, October 31, after the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative prevented Sowore from participating in the scheduled 17.5-kilometre race linking Ilawe-Ekiti with Ikogosi Warm Springs.
Sowore had reportedly registered for the competition but was not issued a race bib or cleared to participate.
In a statement, the organisers attributed their decision to security concerns arising from what they described as independently obtained and verifiable evidence involving Sowore and his associates at the marathon's office premises and elsewhere in Ekiti State.
They maintained that the decision was not politically motivated and said their participation rules prohibited the use of the event, its facilities or branding for political campaigns and partisan demonstrations.
The organisers also stated that Sowore's eligibility for future editions would be reviewed in accordance with the event's participation standards and security considerations.
However, Sowore rejected the decision and called on World Athletics, the international governing body for the sport, to investigate the circumstances surrounding his exclusion. He also demanded sanctions against the organisers and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
The activist alleged that the organisers were complicit in an attack involving him and members of his team at a restaurant in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, October 30. He threatened to pursue legal action through available channels in Nigeria and internationally.
The dispute follows an incident at a restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti. The Ekiti State Police Command disputed reports that Sowore had been kidnapped, saying preliminary information indicated that he had been involved in an altercation with some individuals.
Police said officers responded to a distress call and rescued him. The command reported that he sustained a minor injury and was taken to the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti for treatment.
The Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Michael, subsequently ordered an investigation to establish what happened, identify those involved and ensure that anyone found culpable would face the law.
Sowore, however, disputed the police account and maintained that armed individuals attacked him and members of his team. He has called for accountability over the incident.
The competing accounts have made an independent and thorough investigation important. Establishing the circumstances of the restaurant incident would help clarify whether it was an altercation, an organised attack or another form of confrontation.
The marathon exclusion has also raised questions about how sporting events should manage security concerns while ensuring fair and transparent participation procedures.
The organisers insist that their decision was based on security considerations and the need to protect the integrity of the competition. Sowore, on the other hand, believes the decision and the events surrounding it require investigation.
The Ikogosi Marathon is a road-running event covering 17.5 kilometres, with the race route connecting Ilawe-Ekiti to the Ikogosi Warm Springs area.
As investigations into the earlier confrontation continue, the authorities and organisers face pressure to provide clear explanations and ensure that disputes involving public figures are addressed through transparent and lawful procedures.