The Ekiti State Government has denied allegations linking it to the reported attack on Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), in Ado-Ekiti, calling on the police to investigate the incident and prosecute those responsible.

The denial comes amid growing controversy over Friday’s confrontation between Sowore and unidentified individuals at a food outlet in the Dalimore area of the state capital, which has triggered competing accounts from the politician, the police and organisers of the Ikogosi Marathon.

In a statement on Saturday, Olayinka Oyebode, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said the government had no involvement in the incident and urged the police to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported attack.

The government said the organisers of the Ikogosi Marathon and the Ekiti State Police Command had issued statements on the incident, adding that the appropriate authorities should determine what transpired.

The development follows the police account that Sowore was involved in an altercation at the restaurant, after which operatives responded to a distress call, rescued those involved and took them to the Police Cottage Hospital in Ado-Ekiti for medical attention.

The police said Sowore and other affected persons were treated and discharged at about 4:30pm on Friday.

However, Sowore disputed the police’s description of the incident, alleging that he and members of his team were attacked by armed men sponsored by the state government.

The Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Michael, subsequently ordered an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and identify those involved.

The controversy also extended to the Ikogosi Marathon, which Sowore had travelled to Ekiti to participate in. The organisers subsequently barred the AAC candidate from the 17.5-kilometre race, citing security concerns and the need to protect the event’s political neutrality.

Sowore, in response, accused the organisers of complicity in the incident and called for international intervention, including sanctions against the state governor and the marathon organisers.

The Ekiti State Government, however, rejected suggestions that it would sponsor attacks against political opponents, arguing that the allegation was inconsistent with what it described as the peaceful conduct of the state’s recent governorship campaign and election.

It also dismissed claims linking it to the reported violence, while urging the police to identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.

The government reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and safety of residents and visitors, irrespective of their political affiliations or opinions, and said it remained committed to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law.

The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding Friday’s confrontation and determine responsibility for the incident.