The tragic demise of Nigerian boxer Oluwasegun “Success” Olanrewaju in Ghana on March 29, 2025, cast a long shadow over the boxing world, prompting an extensive investigation and a complex repatriation process. Olanrewaju collapsed in the ring during a bout with Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at the Trust Sports Emporium Boxing Arena in Accra and was later pronounced dead at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The incident immediately sparked grief and outrage in Nigeria, raising serious concerns about the safety standards and regulatory oversight of boxing events in Ghana. The subsequent investigation revealed significant failings on the part of the Ghana Boxing Authority, adding to the controversy surrounding Olanrewaju’s death. The repatriation of his remains became entangled in legal procedures and diplomatic negotiations, further prolonging the agony for his family and the Nigerian boxing community.
After nearly three months of waiting, fraught with legal complexities and diplomatic exchanges, the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) finally confirmed the date for Olanrewaju’s return. In a letter dated June 10, 2025, addressed to the President of the Ghana Boxing Authority, NBBofC President Dr. Rafiu Ladipo announced that Olanrewaju’s body would arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. This announcement followed extensive discussions between the NBBofC, represented by Dr. Ladipo and General Secretary Remi Aboderin, and the Ghanaian boxing authorities. The agreed-upon date allowed Olanrewaju’s family time to make the necessary arrangements for his burial, which was to proceed immediately upon arrival without the need for mortuary services. The NBBofC also formally requested that Ghana provide Olanrewaju’s fight purse and compensation for his tragic loss, emphasizing their request for the body to be transported in a casket, not just a body bag.
The circumstances surrounding Olanrewaju’s death necessitated a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause and identify any contributing factors. The Ghanaian government appointed a seven-member committee, headed by Ambassador Major (retd.) Amarkai Amarteifio, to conduct a comprehensive inquiry. The committee interviewed 30 individuals involved in the case, meticulously piecing together the events leading up to the tragedy. Their investigation culminated in a detailed 100-page report, revealing serious lapses in safety protocols and regulatory oversight by the Ghana Boxing Authority. Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, explained that the delay in repatriation was due to the mandatory legal procedures following a death under such circumstances, including the completion of the coroner’s report.
While the investigation unfolded, the Nigerian boxing community mourned the loss of one of their own. Olanrewaju, affectionately known as “Success,” was remembered for his dedication and passion for the sport. In a poignant tribute, he was posthumously awarded the Ultimate Sacrifice Award at Nigeria’s inaugural boxing awards ceremony held in May 2025 at the National Institute for Sports Conference Hall, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. This award recognized his contribution to boxing, despite his untimely and tragic end. The award served as a reminder of the risks boxers face and the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being.
The prolonged repatriation process underscored the complexities of cross-border legal procedures and the importance of clear communication and cooperation between involved parties. The NBBofC’s insistence on receiving Olanrewaju’s fight purse and compensation highlights the financial vulnerability of many athletes, particularly in developing countries. It also underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency within the boxing industry to ensure that athletes are protected and their rights upheld. The request for a casket, rather than a body bag, reflects the desire to treat Olanrewaju’s remains with dignity and respect, recognizing his value as a human being beyond his role as a sportsman.
Olanrewaju’s death serves as a tragic reminder of the inherent risks in professional boxing. It also exposes the critical need for robust safety regulations, stringent medical checks, and effective oversight by governing bodies to protect the well-being of athletes. The incident has sparked calls for greater accountability and transparency in the sport, urging authorities to implement stricter measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. The hope is that Olanrewaju’s legacy will be one of positive change within the boxing community, leading to improved safety standards and a greater focus on athlete welfare. His story will hopefully prompt much-needed reform and inspire a more proactive approach to safety and regulation in the sport, not just in Ghana but globally.
