Nearly three months after his tragic death in Ghana, the body of late Nigerian boxer Segun “Success” Olanrewaju is set to arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday, bringing a measure of relief to his grieving family.
Segun Olanrewaju’s mother expressed deep emotion over the impending return of her son’s remains, saying while the pain of his loss still lingers, the family is comforted that the long wait is coming to an end.
“Thank God they are bringing him on Tuesday. We are not sure if it is morning or evening as of now, but we are glad he is coming home now,” she said according to Punch.
“Even when he comes, I don’t think I will be okay yet but they should just bring him so we can bury him and he can have rest.”
The family is already making arrangements for the reception of the boxer’s body. Some relatives will travel to the airport to receive the remains, while others will remain in Ota, Ogun State, where the burial will take place.
“Some of us will go to the airport to bring his body while most of us will be here in Ota to wait. Then when it gets to us here, we will bury him,” the mother explained.
Depending on the exact arrival time, the burial will either be held on Tuesday or Wednesday.
“If his body arrives early on Tuesday, we will bury him that day. But if it comes late at night, then the burial will be on Wednesday,” she added.
Taiwo Azeez, who was like a father to the deceased, expressed his appreciation for the final arrangements while acknowledging the deep sorrow still felt by the family.
“We give glory to God that his body is coming now. Everyone is still trying to make peace with it because there is nothing we can do to bring him back,” he said.
“Since we have confirmed it’s this Tuesday, I will also be there to prepare for the burial so that he can get the rest he deserves.”
The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) confirmed the repatriation in a letter dated June 10, addressed to the President of the Ghana Boxing Authority.
General Secretary Remi Aboderin noted that the process followed extensive diplomatic and legal consultations between NBBofC President Dr Rafiu Oladipo and Ghanaian boxing officials.
Aboderin revealed that logistical constraints delayed the transportation of the remains, which had to pass through Lome, Togo and Cotonou, Benin Republic before arriving in Lagos. As a result, the originally planned same-day burial had to be adjusted.
“There were limited cargo options, which made the journey difficult. That’s why the burial may now happen on Wednesday,” he said.
Olanrewaju, widely known in boxing circles as “Success,” collapsed during a bout against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu on March 29 at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra. He was later pronounced dead at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
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