Segun Olanrewaju’s Remains Set to Return to Nigeria After Months of Delays
Segun Olanrewaju’s remains are expected to return to Nigeria next week, ending a lengthy repatriation process. The NBBofC confirmed this after negotiations with Ghanaian authorities. Investigations into his death revealed serious safety issues in the Ghana Boxing Authority and health concerns related to Olanrewaju, prompting calls for accountability.
The remains of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju will soon return to Nigeria, as confirmed by the President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC). According to NBBofC’s Rafiu Ladipo, Olanrewaju’s body is expected to arrive next week. This follows a lengthy two-month process involving legal, diplomatic, and procedural hurdles to repatriate him from Ghana.
Ladipo expressed relief that the return of Olanrewaju’s remains is almost here after extensive dialogues with authorities in Nigeria and Ghana. He noted, “I can assure you, latest by next week, the body will be brought back. I don’t know what particular day.”
Olanrewaju, nicknamed “Success,” tragically collapsed during a bout against Ghana’s Jon Mbanugu on March 29 at the Trust Sports Emporium in Accra. He was later declared dead at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. His passing initiated a wave of grief across Nigeria and prompted serious discussions surrounding boxing safety in Ghana.
Concerns arose from investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death, underscoring major flaws in safety protocols maintained by the Ghana Boxing Authority. There were delays in repatriating Olanrewaju’s body, hampered by legal requirements that had to be adhered to first. Kofi Adams, Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, had pointed out that a coroner’s report was essential for the burial to proceed.
Adams explained back in May, “The body was not detained for no reason. In the circumstances of his death, the coroner act is invoked and the report of the coroner is needed to carry on with the burial or evacuation process.”
A seven-member committee, appointed by the government and headed by Ambassador Major (retd.) Amarkai Amarteifio, delved into the events leading to Olanrewaju’s death. They examined evidence from approximately 30 sources and compiled a thorough 100-page report.
The committee’s findings revealed unsettling details about Olanrewaju’s health prior to the fight, including reports of existing cardiovascular issues. Veteran journalist and boxing expert Ekow Asmah confirmed that the boxer had an enlarged heart, a condition not atypical among athletes. He noted, “The pathologist was able to diagnose the death in specific detail… but as to what triggered the pre-existing condition, it’s not ascertainable after all the scientific tests.”
The investigation also highlighted significant shortcomings by the Ghana Boxing Authority in terms of safety measures, particularly their lack of proper licensing and insufficient medical oversight during the event. Asmah stated, “The GBA doesn’t have a doctor. When there’s no doctor, there should be no fight. Segun Olanrewaju didn’t do the mandatory medical examination before fighting.”
The disturbing testimony continued, revealing that during the incident, the individual who entered the ring purportedly as a doctor was not qualified for the role. “The young man wearing a lab coat who entered the ring wasn’t a doctor. He was clearly an imposter,” Asmah said.
The committee concluded that Ghana should accept full responsibility for repatriating Olanrewaju’s remains back to Nigeria and cover all related funeral expenses. This reflects a commitment to pan-African solidarity. The NBBofC has formally requested that a copy of the investigative report be sent to Nigeria, solidifying cooperation between the two nations in the face of this tragedy.
In conclusion, Segun Olanrewaju’s remains are set to return to Nigeria following a complex two-month legal and diplomatic process. The investigation into his death revealed significant lapses in safety protocols by the Ghana Boxing Authority and highlighted serious health issues that contributed to the tragedy. The recommendations made underscore a commitment to accountability and emphasize the importance of safety in sports. The situation has sparked an important dialogue on boxing regulations and athlete safety moving forward.
Original Source: punchng.com
