“The GBA had no physician when Segun Olanrewaju collapsed. The younger man carrying a lab coat who entered the ring wasn’t a physician. He was clearly an imposter.”
Almost two months after the tragic loss of life of Nigerian boxer Segun Olanrewaju in Ghana, the nation’s Ministry of Youth and Sports activities has confirmed that every one authorized clearances required for the repatriation of his physique have been obtained.
The event comes amid rising scrutiny over security lapses by the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) following revelations from an investigative report into the fighter’s loss of life.
Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports activities, Kofi Adams, has introduced that the physique of the late Nigerian boxer, popularly often known as Success, will quickly be repatriated to Nigeria.
Olanrewaju died after collapsing throughout a bout with Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu on 29 March on the Belief Sports activities Emporium Boxing Area in Bukom.
He was later pronounced lifeless on the Korle-Bu Educating Hospital.
Chatting with reporters, Mr Adams defined that the delay in returning Olanrewaju’s stays stemmed from authorized and procedural obligations surrounding the reason for loss of life.
“The physique was not detained for no motive. Within the circumstances of his loss of life, the Coroner’s Act is invoked, and the coroner’s report is required to hold on with the burial or evacuation course of,” Mr Adams clarified.
“That report delayed the investigations committee work, however lastly, that they had it and submitted their report. The Ghana and Nigerian boxing authorities are actually cleared to evacuate the stays of the late boxer.”
Mr Adams added that his ministry is absolutely ready to help as soon as logistics between the 2 nationwide boxing our bodies are finalised.
“From the briefing I obtained from the GBA President, he engaged his counterpart in Nigeria on Saturday, and they’re selecting a date. As soon as they verify the preparations, we’re prepared to help in any approach potential.”
Marvel Mandel, administrative assistant to the minister, bolstered the federal government’s dedication, noting that discussions had been ongoing between the GBA, the Nigerian Excessive Fee in Ghana, and the Nigerian Boxing Board of Management (NBB of C).
“Kindly be assured that the Ghana Boxing Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports activities and the Nigerian Excessive Fee in Ghana, is actively working to finalise all preparations,” Mr Mandel stated.
“At the moment, efforts are being made to fast-track the repatriation course of to make sure the late boxer’s stays are respectfully transported to Nigeria and to his household within the shortest potential time.”
In Nigeria, Secretary-Basic of the NBB of C, Remi Aboderin, welcomed the progress and stated closure is lastly inside attain.
“We’re glad we’re getting a foreclosures on this quickly. It’s an unlucky scenario, and we pray in opposition to that tragedy once more. Even in conditions the place all steps are taken, this could occur,” Mr Aboderin stated.
“We imagine that by the tip of this week, the paperwork can be finished for his return, and all essential steps can be taken.”
Damning revelations
In the meantime, a seven-member committee arrange by the Ghanaian authorities to research the incident has submitted a damning 100-page report. The committee concluded that the GBA failed to stick to straightforward security protocols and that Olanrewaju had not undergone the necessary pre-fight medical examination.
Veteran journalist and boxing analyst Ekow Asmah, who served on the committee, disclosed disturbing lapses in the course of the occasion.
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“The GBA does not have a physician. And when there isn’t any physician, there needs to be no combat. Segun Olanrewaju did not do the necessary medical examination earlier than combating,” Mr Asmah revealed.
“The GBA had no physician when Segun Olanrewaju collapsed. The younger man carrying a lab coat who entered the ring wasn’t a physician. He was clearly an imposter.”
The report additional revealed that Olanrewaju had pre-existing coronary heart situations, which made the shortage of medical oversight much more tragic.
The committee has beneficial that the Ghanaian authorities assume full duty for the repatriation of Olanrewaju’s stays and bear the price of his funeral and burial preparations.
As preparations to return the physique to Nigeria transfer ahead, Olanrewaju’s loss of life has turn into a sobering reminder of the life-and-death penalties of poor regulation in sports activities, casting an extended shadow over boxing governance in West Africa.
