The remains of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju, popularly known as Success, are expected to be returned to Nigeria next week nearly two months after he died during a fight in Ghana.
Olanrewaju collapsed during a bout with Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu on March 29 at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra. He was later confirmed dead at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
His death triggered an outpouring of grief and sparked serious concerns about safety protocols in Ghana’s boxing scene.
President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Rafiu Ladipo, told Premium Times that all necessary documents have now been secured to bring his body back.
“I can assure you, latest by next week, the body will be brought back. I don’t know what particular day,” Ladipo said.
He explained that the delay was due to medical and legal requirements from both Ghana and Nigeria, including an autopsy report, pathology findings and a death certificate.
“There are certain documents that they needed before they can bring it. I personally went to the Ministry of Health in Lagos, and we have been able to get their approval and permit from the Federal Ministry of Health that the body should be brought back home,” he said.
Ladipo also accused the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) of negligence, saying the boxer did not undergo any of the mandatory checks before entering the ring.
“After the fight, we accused the Ghana Boxing Authority of negligence… the drug screening, the weighing, and the pre-fight medical were not done for him,” he said.
“They just sent him to go and fight. This is never done.”
In response to the allegations, the Ghanaian government set up a seven-member investigative committee which interviewed Nigerian boxing officials and reviewed footage of the match.
“I showed them the video of what we normally do in Nigeria. You must conduct what is called pre-fight checks — check his lungs, heartbeat, eyes, nose, and so on. If you don’t do it, how are you sure that the guy is fit?” Ladipo said.
The committee’s findings confirmed that Olanrewaju did not undergo a medical examination before the fight and that no licensed medical professional was on standby during the event. The report also revealed the boxer had a pre-existing heart condition.
Olanrewaju, who was 40 years old, held both the Nigerian and West African light-heavyweight titles during his career. His record stood at 13 wins, 8 losses, and 3 draws.
The NBB of C suspended all professional boxing events in Nigeria for two weeks following his death.
