Segun Olanrewaju’s Remains to Return to Nigeria After Lengthy Process

The remains of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju will return to Nigeria next week, confirmed by NBBofC President Rafiu Ladipo. The return follows two months of negotiations due to legal and procedural hurdles. Investigations into Olanrewaju’s death revealed serious regulatory failures by the Ghana Boxing Authority, emphasizing the need for better safety measures.

Segun Olanrewaju’s body is set to return to Nigeria next week, as the President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), Rafiu Ladipo, confirmed. This follows over two months of complicated legal and diplomatic challenges aimed at repatriating the late boxer’s remains from Ghana. After extensive negotiations involving both Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities, an imminent return of Olanrewaju’s remains has finally become a reality, although a specific day has not yet been finalized.

Ladipo emphasized the importance of dignity in the return of Olanrewaju’s remains, marking the end of a difficult journey for the boxer’s family and the Nigerian boxing community. Known fondly as “Success,” Olanrewaju tragically collapsed in the ring during a match on March 29 against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu, later succumbing to his injuries at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

The death of Olanrewaju caused sorrow throughout Nigeria and raised serious concerns about the safety protocols within the boxing scene in Ghana. Subsequent investigations pointed out significant regulatory failures attributed to the Ghana Boxing Authority, catalyzing a much-needed dialogue about boxer security.

One of the delays in securing the return of the boxer’s body was linked to the necessary legal requirements post-mortem. Kofi Adams, Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, had stated earlier that a coroner’s report was essential before mobilizing Olanrewaju’s body for repatriation. “The body was not detained for no reason,” Adams said. The completion of the coroner’s report eventually enabled the boxing authorities from both nations to move forward with the process of repatriation.

A seven-member committee, led by Ambassador Major (retd.) Amarkai Amarteifio, undertook a thorough investigation into the events surrounding Olanrewaju’s tragic death. The committee conducted interviews with 30 individuals connected to the case and produced a comprehensive 100-page report.

The findings from the committee revealed that Olanrewaju had pre-existing cardiovascular issues, including an enlarged heart—a condition not uncommon among professional athletes. Veteran journalist and boxing expert Ekow Asmah, who was involved in the investigation, highlighted these medical findings while expressing the complexity of determining the exact triggers of Olanrewaju’s condition.

In terms of safety, the investigative committee’s report pointed to alarming shortcomings on part of the Ghana Boxing Authority. It was revealed that the GBA lacked proper licensing and failed to ensure that qualified medical personnel were present during the fight. “The GBA doesn’t have a doctor. And when there’s no doctor, there should be no fight,” Asmah emphasized, also mentioning that the individual who entered the ring during the emergency was not an actual doctor.

The committee has recommended that Ghana take full responsibility for Olanrewaju’s body repatriation to Nigeria and bear all associated funeral expenses, reflecting a commitment to solidarity within Africa. The NBBofC is also seeking a copy of the investigative report for further clarity and transparency in the matter.

The impending repatriation of Segun Olanrewaju’s remains marks a significant resolution after extensive legal and diplomatic efforts. Following an investigation that uncovered critical safety violations by the Ghana Boxing Authority, the recommendation for Ghana to assume responsibility for the repatriation underscores the need for accountability. This incident not only highlights the importance of safety protocols in sports but also fosters unity in the African boxing community during a period of grief.

Original Source: punchng.com