The family of late Nigerian boxer Segun “Success” Olanrewaju has expressed profound relief following the confirmation that his remains will arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, nearly three months after his tragic death in Ghana on March 29, 2025. The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) announced that the repatriation process, which faced significant delays due to legal and diplomatic hurdles, has finally been resolved through collaborative efforts with the Ghana Boxing Authority and Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports. Olanrewaju, a 26-year-old light-heavyweight boxer from Ota, Ogun State, collapsed during a professional bout in Accra and was pronounced dead shortly after, prompting widespread grief and calls for accountability.
The prolonged delay in bringing Olanrewaju’s body home had compounded the family’s anguish, with his mother, Mrs. Folashade Olanrewaju, describing the past months as “unbearably painful.” She expressed gratitude to the NBBofC and Nigerian diplomatic officials for their persistence, noting that the family could now begin planning a proper burial, likely in Ota, either on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on the flight’s arrival at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. However, she emphasized that the return of her son’s body, while a significant step, does not fully alleviate the emotional toll of losing a young man described as the family’s “breadwinner and pride.”
The circumstances surrounding Olanrewaju’s death have sparked controversy, particularly regarding the Ghana Boxing Authority’s regulatory oversight. Investigations revealed that the bout, part of a promotional event in Accra, lacked adequate medical personnel and emergency protocols, contributing to the fatal outcome. A coroner’s report, required under Ghanaian law, further delayed the repatriation process as authorities examined whether negligence played a role, with findings yet to be publicly disclosed.
The NBBofC, led by President Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, has been vocal in advocating for Olanrewaju’s family, pressing for both the swift return of his remains and a thorough investigation into the fight’s organization. Ladipo confirmed that the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana worked closely with Ghanaian officials to expedite the release of the body after the coroner’s inquest was completed. He also highlighted the need for stricter regulations in African boxing to prevent similar tragedies, citing Olanrewaju’s death as a “wake-up call” for regional boxing bodies.
Olanrewaju’s career, though brief, was marked by promise, with seven professional wins, including three knockouts, earning him the nickname “Success” among fans. His decision to fight in Ghana was driven by the scarcity of professional opportunities in Nigeria, a common challenge for local boxers seeking international exposure. Friends and training partners in Ota described him as disciplined and ambitious, with dreams of competing for a continental title.
The family’s plans for the burial remain modest, reflecting their financial constraints following months of uncertainty. Community leaders in Ota have pledged support, with local boxing gyms organizing a memorial sparring session to honor Olanrewaju’s legacy. Mrs. Olanrewaju appealed for assistance from government and sports authorities to cover funeral costs, underscoring the family’s reliance on Segun’s boxing earnings prior to his death.
The broader implications of Olanrewaju’s death continue to resonate within Nigeria’s boxing community. The NBBofC has called for increased funding and infrastructure to support local boxers, reducing the need for risky international bouts under potentially substandard conditions. Additionally, the incident has prompted discussions about establishing a continental boxing regulatory body to enforce consistent safety standards across Africa.
As the family prepares to lay Olanrewaju to rest, the focus remains on achieving closure while seeking justice. Mrs. Olanrewaju stated that the family is considering legal action against the event organizers in Ghana, pending the coroner’s final report. For now, the arrival of Segun’s remains marks a bittersweet moment, offering solace amid an ongoing quest for accountability.
