The family of Nigerian boxer Segun “Success” Olanrewaju is still reeling from the shock of his passing, and the prolonged wait for the repatriation of his body has exacerbated their emotional pain.
The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) gave the Ghanaian authorities 21 days to return Olanrewaju’s body, but it has now passed without any update
The delay has worsened the emotional state of Olanrewaju’s mother, who is struggling to cope with her loss
The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) has been following up with the Ghanaian Boxing Authority to resolve the issue, with NBBofC Secretary General Aboderin stating, “We have sent a message to the Ghana Boxing Authority today, expecting their response on why they haven’t sent the body.”
“I am a Muslim, but they are Christians, we don’t keep bodies long and I know they wouldn’t have kept his body this long as well so it is a source of concern and worry to all of us.”
According to Taiwo Azeez, a family friend and father figure to Olanrewaju, the prolonged wait has been particularly distressing for the family, who are struggling to come to terms with their loss.
Timeframe
NBBofC Response
Ghanaian Response
21 days
Awaiting response from Ghanaian Boxing Authority
–
After 21 days
No update
–
Olanrewaju, a former national and west African light-heavyweight champion, collapsed during his bout against Jon Mbanugu at the Ghana Professional Boxing League on March 29.
Manner of death
Sudden cardiac arrest
The autopsy revealed that Olanrewaju died due to sudden cardiac arrest during the fight, which has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Olanrewaju had 13 wins, 9 losses, and 2 draws in his 24-fight career
The NBBofC had raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding Olanrewaju’s death, including weight differential issues and alleged negligence by the Ghana Boxing Authority.
Taiwo Azeez emphasizes the pain of Olanrewaju’s family.
The situation has been particularly difficult for Olanrewaju’s family, who are still grappling with the emotional pain of losing their beloved boxer.
Family members have temporarily relocated to Olanrewaju’s father’s house, where they often check in for updates on the repatriation of his body.
Taiwo Azeez and Olanrewaju’s mother regularly express their concern for the delay in returning Olanrewaju’s body.
The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control Secretary General confirms the investigation.
The investigation into Olanrewaju’s death has been ongoing, with the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control actively pursuing the matter with the Ghanaian Boxing Authority.
Olanrewaju was a talented boxer from Nigeria who had an extensive career.
Olanrewaju, born on September 16, 1981, began his boxing career in 2019 and went on to compete in 24 professional fights, winning 13 and losing nine.
