Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports has confirmed that the body of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju will be returned to Nigeria soon. Ghanaian Sports Minister Kofi Adams stated that all necessary legal and administrative clearances have now been obtained for the repatriation.
Adams explained that the delay was due to mandatory legal procedures following the boxer’s sudden death.
“Due to the circumstances of his passing, a coroner’s report was required before any further steps could be taken. That process delayed the investigation, but the report has now been submitted,” he said.
With the report finalized, both Ghanaian and Nigerian boxing authorities have been given the go-ahead to proceed.
“My ministry is ready to assist once the two boxing bodies finalize their arrangements,” Adams added.
He noted that discussions are ongoing between the heads of the Ghana and Nigeria boxing boards to agree on a date for the repatriation.
Wonder Mandel, an aide to the Sports Minister, emphasized that efforts are being made to accelerate the process.
“The Ghana Boxing Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry and the Nigerian High Commission, is working to ensure a swift and respectful return of Olanrewaju’s remains to his family,” Mandel said.
Remi Aboderin, Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, expressed relief over the progress.
“It’s been a difficult time, but we are nearing closure. We expect all necessary paperwork to be completed by the end of the week,” he said.
Olanrewaju, popularly known as ‘Success,’ died on March 29 after collapsing during a bout with Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at the Trust Sports Emporium in Bukom. He was later pronounced dead at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
A committee appointed by the Ghanaian government to investigate his death discovered that Olanrewaju had pre-existing heart conditions. The investigation also exposed serious lapses in event safety protocols by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA).
According to veteran journalist and committee member Ekow Asmah, the GBA failed to meet basic safety standards.
“There was no licensed doctor at the venue. Olanrewaju didn’t undergo the required pre-fight medicals. The person who entered the ring wearing a lab coat wasn’t a doctor — he was an impostor,” Asmah revealed.
The committee’s 100-page report recommended that the Ghanaian government take full responsibility for the repatriation and cover all funeral expenses.
