Olanrewaju’s Body Will Arrive in Nigeria Next Week, Confirms NBBofC

Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju’s remains expected to arrive in Nigeria next week after over two months of legal and diplomatic efforts. NBBofC President Rafiu Ladipo confirms imminent return. Olanrewaju died in March after collapsing in the ring. Investigations revealed serious regulatory failures in Ghana’s boxing safety protocols. A government committee’s report recommends Ghana take responsibility for repatriation and cover funeral expenses.

The family of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju can expect his remains to arrive back in Nigeria next week. This reintegration follows an arduous journey of over two months that required legal, diplomatic, and strategic efforts to facilitate Olanrewaju’s body’s return from Ghana. Rafiu Ladipo, President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), confirmed this development, stating, “I can assure you, latest by next week, the body will be brought back. I don’t know what particular day.”

Ladipo emphasized the intense negotiations that took place between Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities to ensure that Olanrewaju’s remains are returned with the dignity they deserve. This marks the closure of a long and emotionally difficult chapter for Olanrewaju’s family and the broader Nigerian boxing community. His death, which occurred following his collapse in the ring during a fight on March 29, has left many questioning safety protocols in Ghana’s boxing industry.

Olanrewaju, also known as “Success,” was declared deceased at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital after collapsing during his match with Ghanaian fighter Jon Mbanugu at the Trust Sports Emporium Boxing Arena in Accra. The unfortunate incident prompted an outpouring of grief across Nigeria, stirring serious concerns about regulatory compliance within the boxing sector in Ghana. Subsequent investigations have uncovered alarming lapses in safety protocol implementation by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).

The protracted delay in the repatriation of Olanrewaju’s body was attributed to various legal requirements that needed to be met due to the nature of his death. Kofi Adams, Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, resolved that the coroner’s report was critical before any evacuation could take place. “The body was not detained for no reason. …the report of the coroner is needed to carry on with the burial or evacuation process,” Adams told The PUNCH back in May, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to legal protocols.

A seven-member committee set up by the government and chaired by Ambassador Major (retd.) Amarkai Amarteifio was tasked with investigating Olanrewaju’s death. They interviewed around 30 individuals linked to the case, culminating in a thorough 100-page report. This report revealed that Olanrewaju had long-standing cardiovascular issues, a finding confirmed by pathological examinations. Veteran journalist and boxing analyst Ekow Asmah, who contributed to the investigation, reported that the boxer had an enlarged heart, a common condition found among athletes.

Asmah articulated, “The pathologist was able to diagnose the death of the boxer in specific detail… and we realised that he had a pre-existing condition – an enlarged heart which is common for most athletes.” However, the investigation also highlighted significant failures on the part of the GBA. Notably, it was revealed that the GBA lacked proper licensing to conduct matches and did not ensure that necessary medical supervision was present during Olanrewaju’s bout.

“The GBA doesn’t have a doctor. And when there’s no doctor, there should be no fight,” Asmah asserted, also noting that Olanrewaju did not undergo mandatory medical checks before the fight took place. The report condemned the presence of an imposter posing as a medical professional during the match.

As a result of these findings, the committee has recommended that Ghana accept full responsibility for the repatriation of Olanrewaju’s remains and cover all funeral expenses, as a gesture of respect and solidarity. The NBBofC, in turn, has requested that Nigeria be provided with a copy of the committee’s comprehensive report.

The tragic situation surrounding Segun Olanrewaju’s death brings significant issues to light within the Ghanaian boxing scene and raises urgent calls for reform in safety practices to protect future athletes.

The imminent return of Segun Olanrewaju’s remains to Nigeria is a significant closure after a prolonged ordeal marked by legal hurdles and diplomatic negotiations. The investigations into his tragic death have revealed not only serious lapses in safety protocols by the Ghana Boxing Authority but have also highlighted the need for systemic change to ensure the welfare of boxers. The urgency of this tragic situation underscores the importance of safeguarding the health of athletes in the sport.

Original Source: punchng.com