Olanrewaju’s Body to Return to Nigeria Next Week, Confirms NBBofC

The body of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju is set to arrive in Nigeria next week following extensive negotiations between Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities. His posthumous return comes after critical investigations revealed safety lapses in Ghana’s boxing protocols. Olanrewaju collapsed during a match in March, igniting discussions about athlete safety in the sport.

The remains of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju are set to return to Nigeria next week, according to a confirmation from the President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC). This comes after more than two months of legal, diplomatic, and procedural actions to repatriate his body from Ghana.

Rafiu Ladipo, the NBBofC president, stated that negotiations between Nigerian and Ghanaian authorities have progressed significantly, ensuring the timely return of Olanrewaju’s remains. “I can assure you, latest by next week, the body will be brought back. I don’t know what particular day,” he said. This marks a closure for the boxer’s family and the boxing community, who have endured a tough ordeal since his passing.

Olanrewaju, known as “Success,” tragically collapsed during a match against Ghana’s Jon Mbanugu on March 29 at the Trust Sports Emporium in Accra. He was later pronounced dead at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, which sent shockwaves across Nigeria and sparked a serious discourse about safety protocols in boxing within Ghana. The subsequent investigations revealed significant lapses in regulations by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).

The lengthy delay in the repatriation process stemmed from legal stipulations related to the circumstances of Olanrewaju’s untimely death. Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, explained that a coroner’s report was essential before the body could be returned. “The body was not detained for no reason. In the circumstances of his death, the coroner act is invoked and the report of the coroner is needed to carry on with the burial or evacuation process,” said Adams in May.

To facilitate the inquiry into Olanrewaju’s death, a committee led by Ambassador Major (retd.) Amarkai Amarteifio was established. They interviewed 30 parties linked to the incident and presented a detailed 100-page report. This report indicated that pre-existing cardiovascular issues, among other factors, contributed to the tragedy. Notably, Ekow Asmah, a veteran journalist and committee member, noted that Olanrewaju had an enlarged heart, a condition common in athletes.

Asmah elaborated, “The pathologist was able to diagnose the death of the boxer in specific detail and we realized that he had a pre-existing condition – an enlarged heart which is common for most athletes – but as to what triggered the pre-existing condition, it’s not ascertainable after all the scientific tests.”

Furthermore, the committee’s findings highlighted serious discrepancies in the GBA’s conduct of the event. Specifically, it was found that the authority did not have proper licensing and neglectingly failed to ensure adequate medical supervision at the fight. “The GBA doesn’t have a doctor. And when there’s no doctor, there should be no fight,” Asmah noted, adding that Olanrewaju had not undergone necessary medical evaluations prior to the match. He pointed out that an imposter rather than a qualified medical professional was present when the boxer collapsed.

The committee has recommended that Ghana undertake full responsibility for Olanrewaju’s repatriation to Nigeria and cover all related funeral expenses. This approach underscores a commitment to African unity and respect. Additionally, the NBBofC has sought a copy of the committee’s findings to be sent to Nigeria as formal documentation of the matter.

In conclusion, Segun Olanrewaju’s remains are expected to return to Nigeria soon after extensive negotiations between authorities. His tragic death has drawn attention to serious safety concerns within the boxing industry in Ghana. The findings of the investigative committee expose critical failures by the Ghana Boxing Authority and emphasize the need for greater regulatory compliance to protect athletes in the future.

Original Source: punchng.com