Nigerian boxers have voiced their frustration and anger over the prolonged delay in repatriating the body of late boxer Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, 50 days after his death in Ghana.
Olanrewaju, popularly known as *Success*, collapsed during a March 29 bout against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at the Bukom Arena and was later pronounced dead at Korle-Bu Hospital. Despite the recent submission of a report on his death to Ghana’s Minister for Sports, Kofi Adams, there is still no timeline for returning his remains to Nigeria.
“This feels like we mean nothing to the authorities,” lamented professional boxer Taiwo Esepo. “He died representing Nigeria, and yet, no one is pushing hard for justice or his return. It’s heartbreaking.”
UBO champion Idowu Rasheed, who once fought Olanrewaju, expressed deep sorrow: “His death shook me. I even considered quitting. Now it’s been weeks and his body is still in Ghana. His family deserves closure.”
The Secretary General of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), Remi Aboderin, confirmed a recent meeting on the issue but provided no clear update.
Commonwealth Games medalist Abdul-Afeez Osoba added, “This delay is unacceptable. According to Islamic rites, he should have been buried immediately. His family is suffering.”
Boxers and fans alike are calling for stronger diplomatic and legal actions to ensure Olanrewaju’s remains are swiftly returned home for a proper burial.
