Sowore Calls for Sanctions After Being Barred from Marathon

The Ikogosi Marathon Initiative has excluded activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore from the 2026 edition of the marathon, citing security concerns related to recent incidents involving Sowore and his associates in Ekiti State. Although Sowore registered for the race, he was not issued a race bib and was deemed not cleared to participate.

The initiative stated that the decision was based on independently obtained evidence regarding Sowore's activities, which raised security concerns inconsistent with their commitment to a peaceful sporting environment. They denied that the exclusion was politically motivated, emphasizing their long-standing policy against using their platform for political activities.

In response, Sowore has demanded sanctions from World Athletics against the organizers and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, accusing them of complicity in attacks against him and his team. He called for an independent investigation into the incidents and threatened legal action against the organizers.