By: Isaac Tetteh
The Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has confirmed the successful repatriation of the body of Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who tragically died in Ghana earlier this year. The remains were airlifted from Kotoka International Airport on Tuesday, June 17, to Lagos, Nigeria.
This development marks a significant step in bringing closure to the boxer’s family and the wider boxing community.
In an official statement, the GBA expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ghanaians, members of the boxing fraternity, journalists, and media outlets for their unwavering support and solidarity following the incident. The authority emphasized its commitment to honoring Olanrewaju’s memory with dignity and ensuring that his final rites in Lagos are conducted smoothly.
The body’s departure from Ghana was confirmed to have occurred just minutes before the statement was issued.
To facilitate the final rites in Nigeria, the GBA dispatched two representatives, Gideon Hassen Appiah, a member of the GBA Board, and Lateykwei Lartey, Head Coach of Fit Square Boxing Gym, who traveled ahead of the body’s arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The authority also disclosed that it has allocated $3,000 in support funds for the late boxer’s family. This amount includes a $1,500 purse from Gordon Frimpong, CEO of Osibor Boxing Management, and an additional $1,500 donation from the GBA itself, which will be handed over to the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC).
GBA President, Abraham Kotei Neequaye reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to fostering strong ties with Nigerian boxing officials and the wider African boxing community.
He assured that the Authority would continue to support the late boxer’s family and uphold his legacy with respect.
The GBA also pledged to keep the public informed about the final arrival of the body and the scheduled interment process in Lagos.
Full statement below:
The GBA can authoritatively announce that the body of Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju has been airlifted a couple of minutes ago en route to Lagos-Nigeria. The cargo flight is scheduled to make a stopover in Lome before continuing its journey to Lagos.
Ghana Boxing Authority(GBA) is most grateful to Ghanaians, journalists, and media outlets, especially members of the boxing fraternity, for the immeasurable support.
We shall keep you posted when the body finally arrives at the final destination, as well as the scheduled interment process. As part of preparations for the final rites in Lagos, the GBA has dispatched two representatives , Gideon Hassen Appiah, a member of the GBA Board, and Lateykwei Lartey, Head Coach of Fit Square Boxing Gym, who travelled ahead of the body’s arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
GBA President Abraham Kotei Neequaye disclosed that the Authority has presented $3,000 to its representatives in Nigeria.
This comprises a $1,500 purse from Gordon Frimpong, CEO of Osibor Boxing Management, and a $1,500 donation from the GBA itself.
The funds are to be handed over to the President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) to support the late boxer’s family.
The GBA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering strong ties with the Nigerian boxing fraternity and pledged to honour the memory of Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju with dignity.
