Olanrewaju’s Remains Expected to Arrive in Nigeria Next Week – NBBofC

The remains of boxer Segun Olanrewaju will return to Nigeria next week after extensive legal and diplomatic efforts. President of NBBofC, Rafiu Ladipo, confirmed this news, emphasizing the need for dignity in the repatriation process. Investigations revealed serious safety protocol failings by the Ghana Boxing Authority following Olanrewaju’s death in March during a match in Ghana.

The remains of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju are expected to return to Nigeria next week. This confirmation was made by Rafiu Ladipo, President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), after two months of determined legal and diplomatic efforts to facilitate the repatriation from Ghana. The response marks a significant turn for Olanrewaju’s family and the broader Nigerian boxing community, who have been waiting for this closure.

Ladipo expressed confidence in the imminent arrival of Olanrewaju’s body, stating, “I can assure you, latest by next week, the body will be brought back. I don’t know what particular day.” He also highlighted the intense negotiations between Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities, emphasizing the importance of dignity in the return of the boxer’s remains after an emotionally charged and lengthy process.

Popularly known as “Success,” Olanrewaju tragically collapsed during a match against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu on March 29 at the Trust Sports Emporium in Accra. He was later pronounced dead at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, a loss that sparked deep sorrow across Nigeria and raised urgent questions about safety measures in Ghana’s boxing events.

Investigations prompted by Olanrewaju’s untimely death revealed troubling gaps in safety protocols enforced by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), with scrutiny focusing on the conditions leading to the tragic incident. In explaining the delay regarding the repatriation of Olanrewaju’s body, Kofi Adams, Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, remarked that a coroner’s report was necessary before proceedings could move forward.

Adams clarified, “The body was not detained for no reason. In the circumstances of his death, the coroner act is invoked… the report delayed the investigations committee work but finally they had it and submitted their report.”

A seven-member investigative committee, led by Ambassador (retd.) Major Amarkai Amarteifio, interviewed around 30 people connected to the case and compiled an extensive 100-page report. Their findings indicated that Olanrewaju had underlying cardiovascular issues that contributed to the incident. Ekow Asmah, a veteran journalist and a member of this committee, stated that the boxer’s heart was enlarged—though the reasons leading to this condition remain unclear.

Asmah asserted, “The pathologist diagnosed the boxer’s death in specific detail and we realized he had a pre-existing condition – an enlarged heart common for most athletes…” However, the committee also criticized the GBA for its inadequate safety measures during the fight. The report notably found that the GBA was unlicensed and failed to provide necessary medical supervision, with Asmah stating that there was no official doctor present during the bout.

“The GBA doesn’t have a doctor. And when there’s no doctor, there should be no fight,” he said, pointing out that Olanrewaju did not undergo a mandatory medical evaluation before the fight.

In conclusion, Segun Olanrewaju’s body is expected to be repatriated to Nigeria next week after two months of persistent legal and diplomatic efforts. The investigations into his death revealed serious safety protocol failures from the Ghana Boxing Authority, emphasizing the need for reform. With this development, both families and the boxing community can finally find some closure as they hope to honor Olanrewaju’s memory in a dignified manner.

Original Source: punchng.com