Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports has confirmed that the body of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju, who died after collapsing during a match against Ghanaian opponent Jon Mbanugu, will be repatriated to Nigeria soon. The Port City News learnt that Olanrewaju—known as Success, died on 29 March at the Trust Sports Emporium Boxing Arena in Bukom.
The ministry’s Minister, Kofi Adams, stated that all necessary legal clearances for the repatriation have been secured, noting that the delay in releasing Olanrewaju’s remains was due to procedural and legal requirements related to determining the cause of death. He said, “The body was not detained for no reason.
In the circumstances of his death, the Coroner’s Act is invoked, and the coroner’s report is needed to carry on with the burial or evacuation process,” Mr Adams clarified. “That report delayed the investigations committee work, but finally, they had it and submitted their report. The Ghana and Nigerian boxing authorities are now cleared to evacuate the remains of the late boxer.”
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The Minister restated his ministry’s readiness to offer the necessary support once the two boxing bodies finalise plans for the repatriation of the late boxer’s remains. More so, the minister’s administrative assistant, Wonder Mandel, reaffirmed the government’s commitment, adding that talks were ongoing between the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, and the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C).
Reacting to the developments, NBB of C Secretary-General, Remi Aboderin, expressed optimism, saying the process was nearing a long-awaited conclusion. Meanwhile, a seven-member panel appointed by the Ghanaian government to probe the incident submitted a scathing 100-page report.The findings accused the GBA of neglecting essential safety measures and confirmed that Olanrewaju had not undergone the mandatory pre-bout medical assessment.
The report also disclosed that the late boxer had underlying heart conditions, making the absence of proper medical checks even more devastating. In light of its findings, the panel recommended that the Ghanaian government take full responsibility for repatriating Olanrewaju’s body and cover all funeral and burial expenses.
