… Sowore creates panicky scene

Political activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore created a scene at the end of the Access Bank Lagos Marathon when he jumped protocol and attempted to displace Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the medal presentation ceremony.  Sowore almost created a scene at the event when he defied and broke protocol when he decided to sit on the VIP area reserved for the Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Chairman and the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade.

Sowore who participated in the race went to sit on the Governor’s table alongside his entourage when the Governor and other top officials left to present medals to the winners at the Podium.

Drama almost ensued when Sowore insisted that he would not leave the Governor’s seat and even boasted that nobody could tell him to do so.

It however took the meticulous and leadership intervention of the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon Bukola Olopade before security officials eased him out.

Meanwhile the Former Bayelsa State Commissioner of Sports in Bayelsa State, Opukiri Jones-Ere, who witnessed the event said he has lost huge respect for Sowore, a man he says he used to respect.

“It’s such an unfortunate event and if I was told about it I will not believe it but sitting in the VIP session in company of the Chairman National Sports Commission and the Director General, I saw firsthand what happened and it’s very pathetic

“It is sad that a man of his calibre will behave so low to occupy the seat reserved for the Governor and the Governor just moved to the podium to present medals and he took over the seat forcefully” .

“And when the DG of the NSC approached him as a friend , he asked the DG if he was not a big man. Everywhere in the world we have VIP and we respect our leaders but today Sowore behaviour was very petty and disgraceful “.

“Unfortunately I used to hold him in high reputation but with what I saw today I am more than disappointed in him and what he stands for”.

“I am very happy that despite the little distraction from Sowore, it did not stop the quality and successful organisation of the race which many have described as a World class Sporting showpiece”.