A turbulent spectacle unfolded at the 10th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday when presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress allegedly commandeered the exclusive seat reserved for Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Eko Atlantic finish line.
As the race concluded with Kenya’s Edwin Kibet shattering records by clocking 2:14:19 to secure the men’s title, and Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa clinching the women’s crown, Governor Sanwo-Olu was set to take the podium to deliver an inspiring address and honor the victors. However, amid the ceremony, Sowore boldly intruded into the governor’s designated area, triggering a heated standoff.
Security personnel, event organizers, and dignitaries, including National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko, intervened to eject Sowore from the reserved space. The tense altercation escalated until the Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, alongside security operatives, restored order and ultimately escorted Sowore and his supporters off the premises. Reflecting on the incident, Olopade told The Guardian, “I didn’t expect Sowore to create such a dramatic disruption at an event he’s long attended for leisure. Forcing his way into the governor’s seat was unacceptable, and I acted immediately to resolve the matter.”
In a riveting display of athletic prowess, Edwin Kibet, despite arriving late and with little rest, proved his elite caliber by not only winning the race but also claiming a $50,000 prize. His compatriots, Kipygon Hehemiah and Sang Benard Cheruiyot, secured second and third places with times of 2:16:37 and 2:17:17, respectively. Meanwhile, in the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa celebrated her first Lagos win with a time of 2:37:04, spearheading an Ethiopian one-two finish, as her fellow countrywoman Aleminesh Herpha and Kenya’s Jerono Peris finished closely behind at 2:38:01:39.
On the home front, Nyango Gyang Boyi emerged as the champion in the Nigerian men’s category with a time of 2:25:41:58, earning N2 million and an additional $4,000 for an impressive overall eighth-place finish. In the women’s division, Blessing Shambor Solomon triumphed, with Elizabeth Nuhu Power and Patience Dalyop Mwanvwang taking second and third, respectively, each securing N2 million for their efforts.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his satisfaction with the overall conduct of the 2025 marathon and pledged enhanced support for an even grander 2026 edition. Organizers, led by Mrs. Yetunde Olopade of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, also lauded Access Bank and the Lagos State government for their unwavering backing, ensuring the event’s resounding success.
