Nigerian boxing community has voiced strong frustration over the prolonged delay in repatriating the body of Oluwasegun Olanrewaju from Ghana, more than 50 days after the boxer tragically passed away following a match at Bukom Arena.
This reaction follows a recent submission of a final investigative report by a seven-member committee to Ghana’s Minister of Sport and Recreation, Kofi Adams, concerning the circumstances of Olanrewaju’s death.
However, no clear date has been provided for when the fighter’s remains will be brought back to his mourning family.
Professional boxer Taiwo Esepo expressed disappointment, saying, “It feels as though the sports ministry does not value Nigerian boxers. It’s as if we don’t matter to them.”
He added, “A Nigerian boxer went to fight and met such a tragic end, yet there is no advocacy for his family. Why aren’t our officials taking legal action? Why aren’t they fighting on our behalf? This could happen to any of us at any time, and the lack of support is deeply unsettling.”
Oluwasegun, known by the nickname ‘Success’, collapsed during a fight against Ghanaian Jon Mbanugu on March 29 at the Trust Sports Emporium Boxing Arena in Bukom.
He was later confirmed dead at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
UBO Champion Idowu Rasheed, who had previously faced Olanrewaju in the ring, shared his sorrow over the ongoing situation.
“He was someone I fought before, so his death hit me hard. I even considered quitting boxing, but I had to carry on since it’s my livelihood,” Rasheed said. “Yet, his body hasn’t been returned. If he has passed, his family deserves to see him and give him a proper burial. It’s the least respect they should have.”
Remi Aboderin, secretary general of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), confirmed that discussions took place on Monday but did not provide a firm timeline for when the remains would be repatriated.
Commonwealth Games medalist Abdul-Afeez Osoba also voiced his concern about the delay.
“Though I wasn’t close to him, I find it hard to understand why this is taking so long,” Osoba said. “I trust the NBBofC is engaging with the Ghana Boxing Authority, but from a religious perspective as a Muslim, he should have been buried without delay. This situation is painful for the family and unacceptable.”
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