Sowore Barred From Ikogosi Marathon, Demands World Athletics Sanctions

Organisers of the Ikogosi Marathon have excluded activist and politician Omoyele Sowore from the 2026 edition of the race, citing security concerns linked to recent incidents involving him and his associates in Ekiti State.

Sowore has called on World Athletics to sanction the organisers and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji. The organisers denied that the decision was politically motivated, PUNCH reported on Saturday.

The ban follows an attack on Sowore in Ekiti earlier this week, which has sparked a dispute between the activist and the police over what happened. Accounts of the incident remain contested and Civique News has not independently verified either version.