Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports has assured that the remains of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju will be returned to Nigeria soon. Sports Minister Kofi Adams confirmed that all necessary clearances for the evacuation have now been obtained.
Adams explained that the delay in repatriation was due to legal procedures that followed the circumstances of Olanrewaju’s death.
“The body was not detained without cause. Due to the nature of his death, the coroner’s act was invoked and a coroner’s report was required before proceeding with burial or evacuation,” he said.
“That report delayed the work of the investigative committee, but it has now been submitted. Both the Ghanaian and Nigerian boxing authorities have clearance to proceed with the repatriation.”
The minister added that his office is ready to assist once both boxing authorities finalise the arrangements.
“My ministry is prepared to support in any way possible once the two authorities reach a decision,” Adams noted. “According to the GBA president, discussions with his Nigerian counterpart are ongoing and they’re close to settling on a date.”
Wonder Mandel, administrative assistant to the minister, also confirmed that active steps are being taken to expedite the process.
“The Ghana Boxing Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, is working to finalise all arrangements,” Mandel said. “Efforts are being made to fast-track the process to ensure the boxer’s remains are returned respectfully and as soon as possible.”
Remi Aboderin, secretary-general of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, expressed relief at the progress.
“We’re glad the situation is close to resolution. It’s a tragic event, and we continue to pray against such occurrences. Hopefully, by the end of this week, all paperwork will be completed for his return,” Aboderin said.
Olanrewaju, popularly known as ‘Success,’ collapsed during a bout with Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu on March 29 at the Trust Sports Emporium Boxing Arena in Bukom, and was later pronounced dead at Korle-Bu Hospital.
A government-appointed committee investigating the incident found that Olanrewaju had pre-existing heart conditions and exposed serious lapses by the Ghana Boxing Authority, including the absence of a licensed doctor at the event.
Veteran journalist and boxing expert Ekow Asmah, a member of the seven-person committee, said, “The GBA had no doctor on site. In such a case, the bout shouldn’t have gone ahead. Olanrewaju didn’t undergo the mandatory medical exam before the fight. The person who entered the ring in a lab coat was not a doctor — he was an imposter.”
The committee’s 100-page report, now submitted to Minister Adams, recommends that Ghana take full responsibility for repatriating Olanrewaju’s remains and covering all funeral and burial costs.
