Man, 40, Dies After Okpekepe Marathon Race
Governor Adams Oshiomhole (R), Minister of Sports Bolaji Abdulahi (C) and Nollywood actor Paul Obazele, leading the Okpekpe VIP Race.
Controversy Tuesday dogged the death of a middle aged man, identified as Victor Adepoju, 40, whose corpse was found by the side of a stream, 48-hours after last weekend’s Okpekpe Marathon organized by the Edo State government in conjunction with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria(AFN).
Vanguard learnt that the deceased who was alleged to be a staff of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning was reportedly said to be one of the fans of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole decided to compete in the 10km road race as his best way of identifying with him and had N0 515 as his tag.
He did not however return home, as his corpse was found on Monday morning on the bank of a stream.
The circumstances leading to the death of Adepoju’s was unclear press time but sources said he may have collapsed and died from exhaustion after he struggled to have some water to drink from the stream.
His corpse is presently at the Lazarus Hospital in Fugar, Etsako central local council headquarters.
When contacted Tuesday, Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Osifo Omorede said she was not aware of any death arising from the marathon race, explaining that those who sustained injuries were taken to hospital for medical attention.
Edo State Police Command Spokesman, Mr. Moses Eguavoen, however confirmed that Adepoju died after participating in the marathon race.
According to him, “An incident like that happened. He was a contestant in the road race. He was recovered from the water. The parents came and identified the body.
“The parents are asking for the corpse to be buried. The relations are declining investigation. They are not suspecting any foul play. The Police is asking for court affidavit to show that they are not interested in the investigation”.
Source: Vanguard
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Kenyan Wins First Okpekpe Race, Oshiomhole Comes 131st
The first ever International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) certified road race in Nigeria held on Saturday, at Okpekpe, Edo State attracting 700 top athletes from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Nigeria.
The race which covered 10 kilometres over hills and sandy paths was won by Moses Masai of Kenya, Timothy Troitich of Uganda came second and Yusuf Bitwott came third.
Governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole, who also participated in the race came 131st with a time of 59 :3 seconds.
The race also featured the Minister of Sports, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi and other VIPs including top Nollywood actors.
The Governor, against the advise by organisers to compete in the VIP race which covered only 2.5km, ran the whole length of the 10,000 metres.
The Minister for Sports and Chairman National Sports Commission, Bolaji Abdullahi who thanked the Edo State Government for the commitment and vision for the event promised to ensure that that race is made an annual event.
Moses Masai of Kenya with a time of 29:39 seconds won the race while Timothy Troitich of Uganda came second with a time of 29:44 seconds and Yusuf Bitwott came third with a time of 29:50 seconds.
Rono Georgina; a Kenyan emerged first in the female category while Janet Dunbabadu from Nigeria came 6th.
The race was organised by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.
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