The organisers of the 226th edition of the Ikogosi Marathon have been urged to withdraw their decision to exclude Omoyele Sowore from the race. Tope Temokun, Esq., the attorney representing Sowore, has threatened to take legal action against the organisers if they fail to withdraw what he describes as an "insensitive statement". This statement was made in response to Sowore's alleged exclusion from the marathon due to security concerns and purported documented conduct.
According to Temokun, the organisers cited the attack on Sowore and his supporters in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, as the reason for their decision. However, the attorney argues that the organisers' public statement did not specify the particular misconduct attributed to Sowore or the rule he allegedly breached. Temokun described the reasons advanced by the organisers as discriminatory, parochial, and inconsistent with constitutional guarantees of dignity and freedom from discrimination.
Temokun's statement expressed concern that the organisers chose to announce Sowore's exclusion while he was still battling incapacitating injuries from the attack. The attorney argued that if the concern was Sowore's medical fitness, a humane response would have been to express sympathy and allow a medical assessment to guide any decision. Instead, the organisers' response cast a shadow over Sowore's eligibility for future events.
The attorney demanded the immediate withdrawal of the exclusion, a public apology to Sowore, and the removal of any adverse designation affecting his eligibility for future events. Temokun warned that failure to comply would result in legal action to challenge the exclusion and seek redress for any actionable injury arising from the publication.
Temokun, a human rights advocate and Principal Counsel of Tope Temokun Chambers, argued that the organisers' decision targeted a prominent political critic and raised questions about the fairness of the decision. He emphasized that sport should bring people together and that organisers must not allow their platform to become another means of humiliating a victim of violence.
The attack on Sowore and his supporters occurred in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, and Temokun argued that Sowore should not bear the consequences of the violence inflicted on him. The attorney's statement highlighted the need for the organisers to address the threat and protect participants rather than making Sowore bear the consequences.
The issue has sparked concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of the Ikogosi Marathon. Key points include:
Key points
- The organisers' decision to exclude Sowore has been described as discriminatory and inconsistent with constitutional guarantees.
- Temokun has demanded a public apology and the withdrawal of the exclusion.
- The issue has raised concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of the Ikogosi Marathon.
