Sports Ministry to investigate Nigerian boxer’s death

The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has announced plans to establish a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju.

Olanrewaju, a former West African light heavyweight champion, tragically passed away after a sudden stoppage in the third round of his fight against Ghana’s Jonathan Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday.

In an interview with Accra-based Sporty FM, Minister Kofi Adams said, “We have just begun the process, and we will set up a committee to thoroughly investigate what happened. I assure everyone that no stone will be left unturned, and we will ask all the necessary questions.”

Adams further expressed hope for cooperation from both Nigerian and Ghanaian parties involved in the investigation, stating, “We hope that both the Nigerian and Ghanaian sides will work with the team we will form to look into this matter.”

Following the incident, both the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBC) and the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) have denied any wrongdoing. On Monday, March 31, the GBA distanced itself from any claims of negligence, stating, “Olanrewaju was medically cleared by the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control, with certification as a professional boxer before the GBA sanctioned the international contest.”

However, the NBBC responded by accusing the GBA of making a critical error. According to Oluremi Aboderin, Secretary-General of the NBBC, “Segun initially demanded a higher payment, but when they refused, he decided not to fight. He was taken back to the hotel to leave for Nigeria the next day. Later, the organizers agreed to meet his financial demands, and the fight was rescheduled for Saturday night.”

Aboderin further criticized the GBA for allowing the fight to proceed, claiming, “The proper procedure is to weigh in on Thursday and fight the next day, not two days after. This is where the GBA made a significant mistake.”