The family of late Nigerian boxer, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, shares their thoughts with PETER AKINBO on his ambitions, character, and journey to Ghana
How long have you been with Olanrewaju?
My name is Adebusola Olanrewaju. I was with ‘Success’ for almost five years, and we were married for about two years. Our first child is about two years old, and our second is nine months.
How would you describe him?
He was a very good man, humble and straightforward. He was a strong man. When he was alive, he moved from one place to another, trying to get people to help him with his career, but no one helped him. When the disgrace became too much, I told him that he should not go to anyone again, but he’s dead now, and people are posting messages about him online. What is the essence of these posts?
When he was alive and won his first belt, I followed him, but no one posted anything about him. Now, he’s dead, and they’re posting messages. We used to follow each other, but now, my husband is gone. There was never a day we fought that we didn’t settle.
How did he treat his children whenever he was with them?
I don’t think there is any man who could be as kind as he was. If I didn’t have time for anything, he would take care of the children. When I went out and returned home, I would see that he had carried one of them and put the other on his back or neck.
He was always trying his best for his children; he bathed them, took videos with them, and posted them. Even when some people insulted him, he didn’t care. What man would do that now? Our first child will soon start school; I don’t even know where to begin.
What do you know about his journey to Ghana?
When he was going to Ghana, he told us. When he got there, they said he would have to lose to his opponent. He said he could not do that. He insisted that he was there to boost his career. When he went to Russia, he tried his best. Although he did not win, everybody saw that he tried his best.
Now, he went to Ghana. He told us that they said he would have to lose. But he said he came there for his career and that he couldn’t lose to them. He was already coming back home; he told us everything until they called him back, and he said they had settled it.
How did you hear about your husband’s death?
I called him and spoke to him on Saturday after 11 pm. I woke up at midnight, expecting to see his message, but I did not see it. In the morning, I had to message him. That was when I was informed that he was dead. I don’t know where to start from. We never imagined that he would leave so soon. I don’t know what to tell my children. Please, don’t let his death be in vain.
Is it true he was about to start a business?
Yes. He promised that when he got back from Ghana, he would get the number plate for his bus and start using it for commercial transportation.
My son wasn’t allowed to reap reward of his labour – Mother
How was it raising your son?
I am Mrs Olanrewaju. Since 1993, when their father died, I have been taking care of them. He was a very gentle child who didn’t cause any trouble. He was a nice boy and was always truthful.
He was a very hard-working person who tried different vocations before he settled on boxing. Then, God rewarded his efforts, and he became a world champion. He tried bricklaying, he sang music, and did all sorts of things, but they didn’t let him reap the rewards.
Were you close to him?
Yes. When his wife had their two children, I was the one who helped her throughout, especially during labour. He kept his bus here at my house, along with some of his training equipment. We were very close. Now, he went to Ghana, and they took him from me. They didn’t let him get the reward of his labour.
How did you hear of his death?
I was in the shop. I had got dressed for church and was about to pick up money for the offering when I saw his wife and their two children with her mother coming. They were the ones who told me that my son was dead. I was shocked when I heard about his death.
I never imagined my brother would die in next 20 years – Sister
What is your relationship with the late boxer, Segun Olanrewaju?
I am his elder sister. My name is Rachel Olanrewaju.
How would you describe your brother?
‘Success’ was a very strong and hard-working boy. He was very friendly. If someone was sad and he was around, he would do something to make that person laugh.
He was the type of person who drew people closer, and you would always want to be around him. He never liked to see people sad, and even if he didn’t have the strength, he would do his best. He was the only boy we had.
What were some of his dreams?
He was a very hard-working brother. He tried music before; he sang nice songs, made albums, and performed in the community before he started boxing. He was also training some kids in the neighbourhood.
He tried many things; he was never idle. Maybe because he was the only man, we had in our family ever since our dad died in 1993. He was not supposed to die now; it is a big shock to us.
How did you hear about his passing?
I was going to church on Sunday. In the night, around 4 am, my dog was barking all night. I became worried and decided to come home. I was at the junction near our house; I hadn’t told anyone I was coming, but it was while I was at the junction that I heard the news that my brother was dead.
When I got home, I saw everybody crying. I met my family and many other people. This place was like a theatre where one watches a film. A lot of people were here. It is a great loss to us, and I never expected this to happen. We have suffered a lot together; this is very sad. I never imagined my brother would die in the next 20 years.
