The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has called for international sanctions against Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti state, and organisers of the Ikogosi Marathon over the attack on him and members of his entourage in Ado-Ekiti.
Sowore also called on World Athletics, the international governing body for the sport, to sanction the organisers and blacklist them from participating in or organising future sporting events.
The human rights activist made the demands in a statement on Saturday, accusing the marathon organisers, led by Makinde Araoye, of complicity in the attack on him and his team, who had registered to participate in the competition.
He described the organisers’ recent statement as self-indicting and urged the international athletics body to investigate their alleged involvement in the incident.
“They must never again be permitted to organize or participate in sporting events that bring people together in the spirit of peace, unity, and healthy competition,” he said.
Sowore also demanded international sanctions against Governor Oyebanji and the marathon organisers, including Araoye, over what he described as their involvement in the attacks or efforts to facilitate them.
“Sporting events must never become hunting grounds for political thugs, government-sponsored violence, intimidation, or assassination,” he added.
He said he would pursue legal action against the organisers and the Ekiti State Government, alleging that the incident endangered lives and violated the principles of sportsmanship and human dignity.
Sowore further demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack, insisting that everyone found responsible must be held accountable.
“We will pursue justice through every lawful avenue available, nationally and internationally,” he said.
His statement followed the decision by the management of the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative to disqualify him from participating in the 2026 Ikogosi 17.5km Race scheduled for Saturday, October 31.
In a statement, the organisers said Sowore had registered for the competition but was neither issued a race bib number nor cleared to participate.
“Consequently, the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative has decided to deny Mr. Omoyele Sowore participation in the 2026 Ikogosi 17.5km Race scheduled for Saturday, 31 October 2026. His eligibility for future events will be subject to further review in accordance with our participation standards and security considerations,” the statement read.
The organisers said the decision was based on what they described as documented conduct and security considerations, rather than Sowore’s political affiliation, beliefs or aspirations.
They maintained that the event remained open to participants from all backgrounds who complied with its rules and upheld peaceful sporting engagement.
Meanwhile, Sowore has accused the Ekiti State Police Command of attempting to downplay the attack on him and members of his entourage.
The AAC candidate and some members of his team sustained injuries following an attack shortly after he concluded an interview at MIDAS FM 90.5 in Ado-Ekiti on Friday.
Sowore alleged that the attack was coordinated by individuals linked to the Ekiti State Government House, with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) allegedly providing support.
He claimed that DSS operatives had been trailing and harassing members of his entourage since their arrival in the state on Thursday.
According to him, the operatives also threatened the manager of a restaurant where his team had earlier eaten, warning him against allowing them to use the premises again.
Sowore further alleged that information provided by the DSS operatives enabled the attackers to locate his team.
He subsequently shared photographs showing himself and an associate receiving medical attention at a hospital.
The activist also faulted the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Michael, for describing the incident as an altercation between him and some individuals at a restaurant in the Dalimore area of Ado-Ekiti.
“There was no altercation! We were attacked!” Sowore declared.
He claimed that the commissioner personally visited the scene and witnessed the injuries sustained by him and members of his team but that the police command later described their injuries as minor.
However, the Ekiti State Police Command had earlier confirmed the incident, saying its operatives responded to a distress call and rescued Sowore.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, said preliminary information indicated that the AAC candidate was involved in an altercation with some individuals at a restaurant.
He added that Sowore sustained minor injuries and was receiving medical attention at the Police Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.
The command also disclosed that the commissioner had ordered a discreet investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those involved.
It urged members of the public to disregard reports of an alleged kidnapping, insisting that Sowore was not abducted.
Sowore, however, maintained that the police account downplayed the seriousness of the attack and questioned the command’s handling of the incident.