The remains of late Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju finally arrived in Lagos on Tuesday evening, nearly three months after his tragic death in Ghana.
Segun Olanrewaju, popularly known as “Success,” died on March 29 after collapsing during a bout against Ghanaian fighter Jon Mbanugu at the Trust Sports Emporium Boxing Arena in Accra. He was pronounced dead at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
The emotional reception of his remains at Murtala Muhammed International Airport saw grieving family members and supporters break down in tears.
Olanrewaju’s wife, Adebusola, and his three sisters, including Rachael, were inconsolable as they beheld the coffin carrying the 36-year-old boxer.
Officials of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), and other sympathisers were at the airport to receive Segun Olanrewaju’s remains.
Leading the Ghanaian delegation was Abraham Boakye, President of the Ghana National Supporters Union and Vice President of the Africa Football and Other Sports Union.
His body arrived aboard a flight scheduled to land at 4:00 p.m., but delays in the cargo handling meant the casket was not released until 7:15 p.m., extending the family’s pain after months of waiting for closure.
“We are here in solidarity because our fellow brother came to Ghana to box and unfortunately, he died. We had to come and join in mourning. May his soul rest in peace,” Boakye said.
Board member of the GBA, Gideon Appiah, who also presented a $3,000 donation to the bereaved family, explained the cause of the delay in returning Olanrewaju’s remains.
He said Ghana’s Sports Ministry had instituted a seven-member investigative committee, which caused the initial process to be paused.
“We didn’t anticipate the investigations would take so long. Once the committee concluded, we resumed efforts to send his body home,” Appiah stated.
NBBofC President Dr Rafiu Ladipo, who also serves as President of the Africa Football and Other Sports Union, received the donation on behalf of the family and expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the two countries.
Lawrence Nwose, Sports Director at CBD Media Group Africa, represented the late boxer’s wife and commended both boxing authorities for their joint efforts.
“This act of unity marks a meaningful step towards healing, reconciliation, and renewed strength for all involved,” Nwose remarked.
The post Body Of Late Nigerian Boxer Segun Olanrewaju Arrives Nigeria For Burial appeared first on Naija News.