The untimely demise of Nigerian boxer Segun “Success” Olanrewaju has plunged his family into a protracted period of grief and uncertainty. Weeks after his tragic collapse and subsequent death during a boxing match in Ghana, his remains are yet to be repatriated to Nigeria, leaving his family unable to find closure and perform the necessary burial rites. Olanrewaju’s mother, consumed by sorrow, describes the agonizing wait as an unbearable burden, her tears a constant testament to the pain of not being able to lay her son to rest. The prolonged delay has exacerbated her emotional distress, leaving her in a state of perpetual mourning, unable to find solace or acceptance in the face of this unresolved tragedy. The family’s anguish is further compounded by the fact that Olanrewaju was their only son, amplifying the sense of irreplaceable loss. His wife and children, seeking comfort and shared grief, have taken refuge in her father’s home, close to their own, where they anxiously await news of his return.
The family’s concerns are echoed by a close family friend, Taiwo Azeez, who acted as a paternal figure to Olanrewaju. He expresses his worry about the unusual length of time it is taking to repatriate the body, emphasizing the cultural importance of timely burial, particularly within Muslim and Christian traditions. The inability to perform the customary burial rituals has created a sense of stagnation in their grieving process. The family remains trapped in a state of limbo, their grief unable to find a healthy outlet or resolution. The absence of a proper burial prevents them from moving forward, leaving them in a perpetual state of raw, unprocessed grief. The passing of time, instead of bringing solace, only serves to deepen their sense of loss and frustration.
The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) had initially granted the Ghanaian authorities a 21-day period to return Olanrewaju’s body following the necessary investigations. However, this deadline has long since passed, further fueling the family’s anxiety and frustration. The NBBofC has confirmed that they are actively engaging with their Ghanaian counterparts to expedite the return of the body and have expressed their concern over the delay. They have sent official communication to the Ghana Boxing Authority seeking an explanation for the protracted process, highlighting the fact that the timeframe allotted for the autopsy and post-mortem investigations has been significantly exceeded.
Olanrewaju, a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, met his tragic end during Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League on March 29th. He collapsed during his bout against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu and was subsequently pronounced dead at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. Following the incident, the Ghanaian Minister of Sports and Recreation established a seven-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. The committee’s mandate included determining the cause of death and assessing whether the organizers adhered to proper procedures that could have potentially prevented the tragedy. The autopsy conducted revealed that Olanrewaju died from sudden cardiac arrest during the fight.
The NBBofC has voiced serious concerns regarding the events leading up to Olanrewaju’s death, alleging negligence on the part of the Ghana Boxing Authority. They cited several irregularities, including discrepancies in weight classifications between the two boxers and the alleged absence of a pre-fight medical examination during the weigh-in process. These allegations raise questions about the safety protocols implemented by the organizers and whether adequate measures were taken to ensure the well-being of the participating athletes. The NBBofC’s concerns underscore the need for a thorough investigation to determine the extent to which these alleged oversights contributed to Olanrewaju’s tragic fate.
Segun “Success” Olanrewaju embarked on his professional boxing career in 2019. Over the course of his career, he participated in 24 professional fights, achieving 13 victories, 9 losses, and 2 draws. His record included 12 victories by knockout, showcasing his power and prowess in the ring. His untimely death at the age of 40 cuts short a promising career and leaves a void in the Nigerian boxing community. The circumstances surrounding his death serve as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with professional boxing and the importance of stringent safety regulations to protect the health and well-being of athletes. The ongoing efforts to repatriate his body and the subsequent investigations will hopefully provide answers and a measure of closure for his grieving family.
